EMPD and SAPS joint operation leads to 26 arrests for illegal activities

Officers from the EMPD’s Eastern Region, in collaboration with SAPS Provincial Illegal Mining Unit, Crystal Park SAPS (Special Ops), Ekurhuleni Energy Department, private security, City Planning, and the Department of Home Affairs, conducted a joint operation in the Crystal Park and Putfontein areas on July 4, resulting in the arrest of 26 suspects.

The multi-disciplinary operation targeted illegal mining, illegal immigration, cable theft, and other criminal activities impacting community safety.

Officers arrested 16 suspects for contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002).

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Two illegal mining operations at Putfontein plots were shut down, with three undocumented immigrants arrested on site, and mining equipment confiscated.

A vehicle with false registration plates was found at the illegal mining site, confiscated, and towed for further investigation.

In a separate incident, officers recovered a hijacked truck in Crystal Park, which had been reported hijacked in Thembisa.

An illegal liquor outlet operating with an expired 2007 permit was closed, and liquor was confiscated. The Ekurhuleni Energy Department disconnected illegal electricity connections and confiscated the related cables.

Additionally, five more suspects were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

A motorist was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after testing above the legal limit and was taken to the hospital for a blood sample collection to be used as evidence.

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Another suspect was arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

All 26 suspects were detained at Crystal Park and Putfontein police stations and are expected to appear in court soon.

Confiscated items were handed over to the relevant departments for further processing.