SAPS clamp down on illegal mining in Heidelberg
Various items were confiscated during the operation.
Sedibeng SAPS, law enforcement agencies and other role players conducted a multi-disciplinary parade and carried out law enforcement action in the Heidelberg area on March 13.
During the address at the parade, Brigadier Raymond Buthelezi welcomed all the members.
Buthelezi cautioned the members to be vigilant, refrain from accepting bribes and to address illegal mining activities in the area.
There was a strong contingent of 475 members present for the operation, named Vula Umgodi.
Heidelberg SAPS station commander Colonel Phiwe Ndwandwe divided the members into three groups.
The groups focused on various ATMs, shopping centres, taxi ranks, business premises in the area and hotspots where illegal mining has been reported.
Illegal mining areas included Driemanskap, as well as the Poortjie areas.
Six people were arrested for being undocumented and illegal mining.
Illegal mining equipment, clothing, gas bottles, motors, water pumps and chains were also confiscated.
“We will not stop with our quest for a safer community and conducting the operations we are getting the desired results,” said Ndwande.
“Therefore we will continue with combatting crime and preventing illegal mining activities.”
