No illegal miners to be seen at Operation Vala Mgodi site
The operation is set to continue until March 31.
The notorious hotspot for illegal mining activity on Golden Drive is reportedly quiet following the launch of Operation Vala Mgodi (Close the Holes) on January 27.
According to SAPS Ekurhuleni District communication officer Captain Nelda Sekgobela, no illegal miners have been spotted on-site since the operation commenced.
“No incidents have been reported so far. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE) is busy with its work, and all security forces are on the ground,” said Sekgobela.
Also Read: WATCH: Illegal mining in Benoni: Operation Close the Holes is here
Makhosonke Buthelezi, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources, said members of the SANDF and SAPS are still setting up a camp to secure the area so that the contractor can carry out site planning as part of DMRE’s programme to close derelict and ownerless holes and shafts.
“We are targeting the closure of 240 unsafe shafts and openings in Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg,” said Buthelezi.
The multi-disciplinary operation, spearheaded by the DMRE in collaboration with SAPS, SANDF, and security personnel, aims to dismantle and seal illegal mine shafts in Benoni.
The operation is set to continue until March 31.
Residents and business owners in the vicinity have welcomed the operation after years of vocalising their concerns about the hazards posed by illegal mining, which have affected their businesses and have resulted in environmental degradation and safety risks.
Also Read: WATCH: War on illegal mining in Benoni continues
