The West Rand Police conducted an operation at the Mintails mine yesterday, 10 June.
The operation, named O Kae Molao, was run under the command of the Visible Policing commander, Colonel Truter.
According to a statement from Captain Raymond Sebonyane, the spokesperson for the Krugersdorp Police, the operation was specifically focused on the recently deserted Mintails mine and the surrounding area because of illegal activities that have been taking place at the mine during the past few weeks.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/381217/watch-zama-zamas-stripping-local-mine-bare-motorists-and-residents-take-care/
Sebonyane said a total of 16 arrests were made during the operation. Eleven people were arrested for being undocumented and one for illegal possession of ammunition.
Property found abandoned at an illegal mine included 15 balaclavas, eight shovels, seven picks, four chisels, eight gas cylinders and one bag containing 10 pieces of aluminium.
Police also found two abandoned vehicles, a white Nissan bakkie and a red Ford Ranger.
Photos: Supplied.
Upon further investigation it was found that the Ranger was stolen in a hijacking in Phola, Mmpumalanga in January this year, and the bakkie was linked to a second-hand goods case from Roodepoort in May this year.
But perhaps the most shocking find was the body of a man. The report said the cause of death had not been determined although it is believed the man was about 35 years old. An inquest docket has been opened in this regard. The police would like to ask the community to assist them with any information regarding the man’s death. Anyone who has information that can help the police can call 011 951 1151 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Everyone who was arrested during this operation will appear before the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
According to Sebonyane the West Rand District commander, Brigadier Mashao, welcomed the team’s success.
