Zama zamas have been operating in plain sight in Matholesville and surrounds for many years, and local authorities have done very little about it despite reports of crimes related to heavy illegal mining activity in the area.
On Friday, August 5 the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led the continuing multi-disciplinary operations to clamp down on illegal mining.
The team, comprising of Gauteng specialised police units (National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Unit, K9 Unit, Public Order Police and SAPS Air wing) as well as Visible Policing members pounced on illegal miners operating in Matholesville.
According to a media release from the police, illegal mining operating equipment was seized while the ground was flattened, plastic shacks destroyed and illegal miners arrested.
So far seven undocumented immigrants have been detained and their nationalities will be verified by the Department of Home Affairs.
On Monday, August 8 Police Minister Bheki Cele, along with the Departments of Home Affairs and Mineral Resources joined forces in an effort to eradicate illicit mining and the criminal syndicates which control them.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/07/17/illegal-mining-continues-in-matholesville/
Recently the police have arrested 46 suspects in their quest to crack down on illegal mining operations on the West Rand.
One person was fatally wounded during the operations in the area.
The Record sent a few questions to the spokespersons of Florida and Roodepoort police stations respectively, Colonel Amos Tsotetsi and Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke. Colonel Tsotetsi responded, however Roodepoort police station declined the request and referred the Record to police Provincial Corporate Communications who in turn referred us to the Johannesburg District Police.
• The country is still shocked by the recent attack on a film crew in Krugersdorp. What measures do you have in place to curb illegal mining in the area?
To deal with the issue of illegal mining, the Florida Station continues with the weekly Integrated Multi-disciplinary Disruptive Illegal Mining Operation.
• Have there been any arrests of illegal miners in the area? If yes when?
Yes, in April we arrested 23 illegal immigrants, in June we arrested another 33, and in June we arrested four.
• There are allegations from the community that police members take bribes from the illegal miners. Are you aware of this?
Members of the public are more than encouraged to report corruption anonymously on 10111, download My SAPS, Florida SAPS on 011 831 7000 or Station Commander of the Florida SAPS Colonel Tsotetsi on 079 034 4195.
• Illegal mining activities are taking place as we speak; what are the SAPS doing? Why are they not arresting?
The Station Operation is happening almost every day with community involvement.
• A police vehicle patrols the areas associated with zama zamas, what procedure is being followed by the members?
Police visibility, and stops-and-searches.
