Florida police failed to show up for a community meeting on August 26, despite receiving an official invitation and assuring organisers that the station would be represented.

The meeting was called by the Florida Community Police Forum (FCPF) and the Florida South Residents Association (FSRA) to address growing concerns regarding the impact of illegal mining on residents and businesses along Albertina Sisulu Road and Main Reef Road.

FSRA chairperson Rodney Churchyard said that Florida police were invited to the meeting in writing more than a week in advance.

“They did not respond to the invitation,” he said.

This prompted FCPF chairperson Riaz Jogee to take the matter up directly with Florida police station commander Colonel Frans Marweshe.

“I was assured by the station commander that the police station would be represented at the meeting,” said Jogee.

“Unfortunately, no one showed up, and we were forced to carry on without them, since many community members took time out of their busy schedules to be there.”

Rising violence and infrastructure damage

Jogee said that residents throughout the southern parts of Florida are under siege from zama zamas.

“Petty crime has skyrocketed, and there have been numerous serious shooting incidents over the past months.

“Some residents are seeing damage to their properties as zama zamas have taken to tunnelling under their houses in search of gold.”

Economic desperation fuels illegal trade

Jogee added that the CPF has received reports of some residents trading with the illegal miners.

“We understand that jobs are scarce and people are desperate to earn an income, but doing business with the zama zamas will only worsen the situation.”

This was one of the issues to be discussed with police at the meeting, according to Jogee.

Marweshe acknowledged having been told about the meeting by Jogee.

“I was invited to the residents’ meeting at the 11th hour,” Marweshe said.

“Mr Jogee, as the chairperson, was supposed to engage with me first, at least a week before, so that I am afforded enough time to inform my management and to consult with other departments.”

Marweshe added that a police officer was assigned to attend the meeting.

“The member who was earmarked to attend the meeting fell sick without my knowledge. For that, we apologise.”

The police’s Johannesburg District communications co-ordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlane, added that the station was at the time preparing for a planned district operation, requiring operational planning and the allocation of resources.

Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn has since committed to calling an official meeting of all relevant stakeholders, including community representatives, to address illegal mining in the Florida policing precinct.

A date for the meeting has yet to be communicated, although police have indicated they will attend.