Johannesburg – At least 300 undocumented foreign nationals, who are also suspected to be illegal miners, were arrested this week.
The arrests under the SA Police Service Operation Shanela were carried out between Monday, (18 December 2023), and Friday, (22 December 2023).
Operation Shanela focuses on illegal mining activities in Gauteng.
The police on Saturday said they were making inroads and yielding positive results in curbing the illicit activities.
Gauteng SAPS Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police recovered high-calibre firearms, which include AK-47 rifles.
“A substantial amount of tools used for illegal mining, including gas cylinders, generators, and explosives, were also seized,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“Illegal mining sites were disrupted and dismantled.”
A multidisciplinary and integrated Operation consisting of SAPS, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Labour, and other law enforcement swooped on several areas, where illegal mining occurred.
The law enforcers descended on Primrose and Boksburg in Ekurhuleni District, Cleveland in Johannesburg District and Kagiso in West Rand District, where illegal mining is rife.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said the law enforcers demolished such illegal activities.
“These disruptive operations will continue in Gauteng, and the police are calling on residents to report such activities as most of them are happening within the close watch of the community,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
The arrested suspects will appear in court soon.
