More arrests as illegal mining activities continue

Several suspected illegal miners and immigrants have been arrested during the week of August 22 to August 28 as part of the daily operations conducted by Florida police and other law enforcement entities to curb the ongoing issue of illegal mining within Roodepoort.

On August 22, four Mozambican nationals were arrested and another six drug-related arrests were made for possession of crystal meth, which exposed the local trading of these illicit substances to nearby residents.

• Also read: Police pounce on illegal miners operating in Matholesville

In another operation in New Canada, five half bags with mining sand were seized. The West Rand Bomb Disposal Unit was also deployed to the area and uncovered two shock tubes, indicating that the equipment was used during illegal mining activities.

August 23 saw Florida police officers, JMPD, Crime Prevention Wardens, and local security companies carry out arrests on counts of dealing drugs and being in possession thereof. The seizing boasts the confiscation of R30 000 cash, R25 silver coins, two cellphones, five packets of heroin, two quarters of mandrax and crystal meth worth R800, while JMPD issued several fines to the amount of R5 250 to non-compliant motorists around the area.

• Also read: Illegal mining operation in Riverlea results in deadly shootout

Four Zimbabwean immigrants were arrested on 24 August together with the seizing of 15g of crystal meth worth about R750, while the bomb disposal unit uncovered illegal mining explosives of three blasting cartridges, detonator cords, and cap fuses in Eitemal, an informal settlement in Florida.

The weekend’s operation (25-27 August) saw several arrests made in Fleurhof for robbery, illegal immigrants, contempt of court, housebreaking, theft, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and kidnapping, while Saturday saw more arrests for contact crimes.

More updates to follow.