To address the proliferation of illicit mining activities in Gauteng, a multi-disciplinary team swooped on the old Hoërskool Hans Moore premises on November 1.
They acted on information that firearms and munitions are kept on the property
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the provincial commissioner, illicit mining has taken top priority by SAPS as these activities are often linked to serious and violent crime within communities.
A team consisting of various stakeholders, including Crime Intelligence, Essential Infrastructure Task Team, Gauteng Highway Patrol, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Ekurhuleni Tactical Response Team (TRT), Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), EMPD, the CPF and various security companies acted on information thus resulting in the blitz.
“Two unlicensed firearms, two imitation firearms, ammunition and illicit mining equipment were recovered at the scene,” said Masondo.
“The suspects managed to flee and evade arrest but a thorough search of the premises, which is often used as shelter by vagrants, led to the stash.”
Community members are urged to join the fight against crime by reporting any suspicious persons or activities to their nearest police station, SAPS CrimeStop hotline 08600 10111 or logging an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.
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