SAPS swoop on illegal miners
Police and other law enforcement authorities took part in a large-scale operation last week, in an effort to combat illegal mining in Brakpan.
Numerous arrests were made during the swoop, which took place on Wednesday, in the Brakpan North area.
Various mining shafts were visited by the Brakpan SAPS cluster, which comprises the Brakpan, Tsakane, Boksburg, Boksburg North and Reiger Park police stations.
Officers from the Moroka Police Station in Soweto, the Katlehong Police Station, SAPS Dog Unit, EMPD Mounted Unit and Explosives Unit were also present, as well as two representatives from a mining company.
Ten arrests were made for possession of mine minerals, three for being in contravention of the Mining Act, one for possession of a gold substance and explosives, one for possession of gold, and four for trespassing.
In addition, three illegal immigrants were arrested.
Equipment used by the illegal miners was also confiscated during the operation.
These items included buckets, water pipes of various lengths and sizes, a 15m fire hose, a generator, spades, a pick axe, fuses used for detonating explosives and a 10 pound hammer.
Borax (a mineral used to decrease the melting point of gold), gold dust and gold were also seized.
Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, told the Herald that these operations would take place on a regular basis and that investigations into the activities would continue.
“We appeal to people to refrain from illegal mining,” he said.
“Not only is it extremely dangerous, but you will be arrested and face the full might of the law.”
