7 arrested and zama zama equipment seized in informal settlements
Seven zama zamas were arrested during a joint operation at the Everest Squatter Camp on Thursday morning.
A joint operation was executed on August 24 and 28 by the Ekurhuleni District at the Everest and the Gugulethu informal settlements to address illegal mining activities in the Springs area.
The joint operation aimed to disrupt illegal mining, arrest illegal miners, identify and process undocumented persons, and confiscate mining equipment and implements used.
The operation saw the arrest of four illegal miners and two illegal immigrants at the Everest informal settlement on Thursday morning.
One illegal miner was also arrested on Monday at the Gugulethu informal settlement.
ALSO CHECK: Man stabbed over 30 times in Edelweiss
During both operations, the police confiscated phendukas, hammer crushers, pot crushers, a generator, and other mining equipment.
The operations were conducted with the Springs SAPS, EMPD and security companies.
Springs SAPS Colonel Lastair Subramanian expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to all SAPS members and the external role players who participated in the execution of the operation for the professional and dedicated manner in which they presented themselves.
Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, Springs SAPS spokesperson, said they are determined to eradicate illegal mining activities through continued disruptive operations in affected areas of the community.
ALSO CHECK: Miracle baby reunites with family after 174 days in NICU
