EMPD operation targets zama zamas at Weltevreden

A coordinated operation by the EMPD and other law enforcement agencies at the Weltevreden Landfill Site on January 16 proved successful, resulting in the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the securing of the site.

According to the EMPD, following this action, preparations are now underway to reopen the landfill, which is expected to restore safe and reliable waste disposal services for Brakpan and surrounding communities.

As previously reported by the Brakpan Herald, the site has been closed since December 8 due to escalating illegal mining activities that posed serious safety and operational risks.

Violent incidents linked to zama zamas forced the City of Ekurhuleni to shut the facility, with waste redirected to alternative sites.

Prior to this raid, EMPD officers recently visited the site as part of the city’s Fixing the Frontline Programme and committed to planning a comprehensive operation to remove illegal miners, restore security and enable reopening.