The South African National Defence Force joined local law enforcement and other stakeholders for an operation targeting illegal mining in Brakpan North on May 19.

Brakpan SAPS Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo spearheaded the multi-disciplinary team comprising of SAPS members and officers from the district infrastructure unit and local police station, EMPD, CPF, AfriForum, and private security companies.

“The operation was executed at the Weltevreden landfill, where illegal mining activities continue to damage municipal infrastructure, and illegal miners extort from innocent local recyclers and take refuge from the police inside the old mining shafts,” said Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer, Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

“The team spread out in search of the suspected illegal miners and extortionists whom local recyclers described as well armed.

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“After scouring the area, members arrested and detained three illegal immigrants, found and seized 33 spades, nine picks, four water pumps, and four hammers.

In addition, the operation included stop-and-searches of people and vehicles, as well as premises inspections, and compliance checks at second-hand goods outlets.

Makopo extended gratitude towards the SAPS and stakeholders in attendance and for the remarkable workmanship portrayed during the operation.

He cited that the biggest success of the day was the impact of more boots on the ground within the jurisdiction.