Capt Johannes Ramphora, Springs police spokesman, says the aim of the operation was to eradicate violence that prevailed in the past when several illegal immigrants lost their lives due to illegal mining.
Read: SAPS arrest 56 illegal immigrants during operation
The 16 illegal immigrants, aged between 18 and 30 years, were taken to the police cells.
“They will be taken to Lindelani Detention Centre in Krugersdorp soon,” says Ramphora.
Read: Illegal immigrants arrested in Operation Basadi
The operation was also extended to the CBD where the EMPD confiscated counterfeit DVDs in Fifth Avenue.
Similar operations will be held by the police and EMPD until December 1.
