Watchful eye over illegal mining areas
"We are still investigating Jumpers and are trying to get the old mines closed. We also arrested one man in January for mining illegally in Denver. There was a group of men mining but we only managed to arrest one person. People must report illegal mining suspects to the SAPS".
Authorities are keeping a close eye on areas where they suspect illegal mining activities are still taking place.
Late last year three bodies were found at a mine shaft in Wychwood. A passer-by apparently saw the bodies of three men and alerted residents of the Jumpers Informal Settlement, in Cleveland.
The men had been shot. Police believe the incident was related to illegal mining.
Last year the EXPRESS exposed and informed authorities about illegal mining taking place at the Jumpers Informal Settlement. Two people were arrested in connection with the illegal mining in October. They were released after they paid a R1 500 fine.
At the time, a provincial crime intelligence detective, whose identity cannot be revealed, said a team of professionals including members of the Hawks, organised crime and the Department of Mineral Resources was established to be more successful when dealing with illegal mining.
Last week he said, “We are still investigating Jumpers and are trying to get the old mines closed. We also arrested one man in January for mining illegally in Denver. There was a group of men mining but we only managed to arrest one person. People must report illegal mining suspects to the SAPS,” he said.
A few months ago, concern was raised by some residents at the Jumpers Informal Settlement, Malvern residents and community leaders. They said they were afraid of the illegal mining and the fights taking place. Clr Alison van der Molen also raised concern about the illegal mining, the sale of alcohol, rape and the other crimes taking place in the settlement and demanded the Cleveland SAPS takes action.
At the time, Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, said the settlement was problematic. He said police officers gathered that the minerals people were mining illegally are not sold in the precinct. He also said he takes the sale of liquor seriously because it contributes to a number of other crimes such as assaults and rape. Col Dlamini said he was trying to address the problems.
Last week, Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, said crime in the settlement is being maintained and no serious crimes have been reported.
