Four illegal miners and two illegal immigrants were arrested during a joint operation at the Everest informal settlement near Springs on Thursday morning.

The arrest comes after police in the Ekurhuleni district conducted an operation aimed at combating illegal mining.

Illegal mining equipment was destroyed in an effort to prevent and combat illegal mining-related crime.

The operation was conducted with the EMPD and security companies.

Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, Springs SAPS spokesperson, said they are determined to eradicate illegal mining activities through continued disruptive operations in affected areas of the community.

During the operation, the police confiscated phendukas, hammer crushers, pot crushers, a generator, and other mining equipment.

Springs SAPS station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe applauded the Vispol members for their commitment to fighting crime.