Explosives found at illegal mining site
Following the Herald's recent article about illegal mining in Dalpark Extension One (Illegal mining threat, July 25), Brakpan police held a special operation on Thursday morning, last week, aimed at combating illegal mining activities in the area.
Local police were assisted by staff from the onsite security companies of Dalpark Extension One and Helderwyk Estate, as well as the Public Order Policing Unit, SAPS Dog Unit, Explosives Unit and the EMPD.
The Herald was also present.
As the police vehicles proceeded towards the illegal mining site, at about 9.30am, two men were seen fleeing and disappeared into the surrounding bush.
The illegal miners are believed to have been warned about the approaching vehicles by a look-out.
While no arrests were made, a search of the area resulted in the discovery of dynamite blasting caps and fuses, as well as goods believed to have been stolen in house burglaries and smash-and-grabs.
Amongst these were handbags and CDs.
The area surrounding one particular tunnel entrance looked liked a mini dumping site, and plastic bags, tools, a coffee cup, disposable razor and even a child’s toy were spotted amongst the trash.
A quick exploration of another tunnel entrance revealed the dangerous lengths the zama zamas go to in their search for gold.
Rocks littered the path to the entryway, which then opened to a dark and cavernous hole in the ground.
The blasting caps and fuses, which are suspected to have been stolen, were destroyed by the Explosives Unit.
Brakpan police will continue monitoring the area.
Read the previous story here
