Major blow to Florida zamas

Florida police are determined to continue their disruption of illegal mining activities in the Florida Policing precinct with ongoing operations targeting the notorious zama zamas (illegal miners).

Their latest operations took place on January 22 and 23 in the large open area between Hebbard and Nadine Streets, where, with the help of the Florida South Residents Association (FSRA) and a contingent of Gauteng Crime Wardens, they managed close and destroy more than 12 open cast mining sites.

According to FSRA chairperson Rodney Churchyard illegal mining operations on this stretch of ground are extensive and have been growing in leaps and bounds by the day.

“We’ve been seeing more and more miners descending on this site over the past number of months despite regular police operations here,” he says.

“When the landowner was planning to undertake their annual cutting of firebreaks, we saw it as the ideal opportunity to do more that just disrupt the illegal mining operations for a day.

“As always, the Florida police were very accommodating, jumping at the chance to make a more significant impact on illegal mining.”

Early morning saw police officers, crime wardens, and FSRA members on parade and planning the operation at the Florida Police Station, before departing in an impressive convoy to their various points of entry.

Along the way, they met up with teams sent by the landowners to cut a firebreak, armed with brush cutters, ride-on lawnmowers, and a huge TLB.

According to Churchyard, the operation was aimed at closing down mining sites rather than arresting illegal miners as is usually the case. This did not stop the crime wardens from chasing down a group of illegal miners through.

Unfortunately, the miners managed to scurry down one of the many tunnels that dot the landscape.

“Nevertheless, we deem the operation as a huge success. We caused extensive damage to their mining operations, completely destroying numerous mining sites and equipment. This is be a major blow to the illegal miners.”

Florida police and the FSRA have vowed to continue their efforts to stamp out illegal mining in Florida.