Illegal immigrants nabbed during crackdown on illegal mining
The operation also saw the seizure of a variety of tools and equipment.
Illegal mining and illegal immigration were the focus of an integrated law enforcement operation conducted in Brakpan on Friday.
The operation was led by Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma, with support from Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo and Captain Nape Magane.
The team comprised Brakpan SAPS members, Ekurhuleni District SAPS members, officials from the Immigration office of the Department of Home Affairs, Secure Tech Security and Quatro Security Services.
“The team used a drone to guide them into the problematic illegal mining area at the back of Brakpan North, further off Oval Road, where there have been reported illegal mining activities,” said Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.
“The team’s intellectual approach to enclose the area saw the arrest of 11 illegal immigrants and the seizure of items suspected to be used in illegal mining activities.
“During the operation, 34 people, 14 motor vehicles and nine premises were searched. Water pumps, picks, spades, hammers, and a penduka were found and confiscated by the team.”
Ngoma extended thanks to the team and welcomed the successes.
She added that the collaboration of law enforcement agencies is aimed at forming a watertight team that will deal with the illegal mining pandemic and eventually see all old and abandoned mining shafts closed.
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