Johannesburg — The South African Police Services (SAPS) is ramping up its efforts to stop illegal mining as more than 300 foreign nationals, also suspected to be illegal miners, were arrested across Gauteng across a five day period.
SAPS’ Operation Shanela proved successful as they hone in on illegal mining. In the period ranging from 18 December – 22 December 2023, police seized high-calibre firearms, as well as a substantial amount of tools used for iillegal mining, gas cylinders, geenrators and explosives as police also disrupted and dismanltd the illegla mining sites, SAPS said in a statement
#sapsGP #OperationShanela that is focusing on #IllegalMining activities in Gauteng is making inroads and yielding positive results as more than three hundred (300) undocumented foreign nationals who are also suspected to be illegal miners were arrested this week. NP… pic.twitter.com/moX1QhSKKd
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 23, 2023
“A multidisciplinary and integrated Operation consisting of South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour and other law enforcement descended on Primrose and Boksburg in Ekurhuleni District, Cleveland in Johannesburg District and Kagiso in West Rand District where illegal mining is rife and demolished such illegal activities,” police spokesperson, Mavela Masondo, said.
These disruptive operations will continue in Gauteng, and the police are calling on residents to report such activities as most of them are happening in the close watch of the community.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
