Several illegal mining sites in Randfontein and Krugersdorp were shut down during a joint operation recently.

According to the Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, the operation also led to the arrest of nine individuals for violating the Immigration Act and mining equipment and tools used in the illegal operations were confiscated on-site.

Those involved in the operation included police, Gauteng Traffic Police and Gauteng Traffic Wardens’ Infrastructure Units.

“The aim is to target illicit mining that threatens community safety and infrastructure,” Masondo said.