Media statement from the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, Gauteng

Wednesday, 3 August 2022

Over 130 suspects have been arrested in Krugersdorp since the Gauteng Police Commissioner launched high level multi-disciplinary operations to clamp down on illegal mining

Parktown: The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has today, 3 August 2022, led yet another operation in Krugersdorp to clamp down on illegal miners and disrupt their operations. The team has arrested 30 undocumented persons bringing the total number to over 130 suspects that have been arrested since Province’s high level operations started on Friday, the 29th of July 2022.

The operations were intensified in the West Rand District following an alleged incident of gang rape and armed robbery that occurred on the 28th of July 2022. The operations will be conducted continuously to ensure that the areas where illegal mining activities are prevalent are stabilised.

Today, the team went back to operate at the mining dump near the R28 road in Krugersdorp. They managed to remove plastic structures used by the illegal miners. Another group of members then followed up on information received from the community members as well as Crime Intelligence and raided houses where alleged illegal miners were hiding.

The Executive Mayor of Mogale City Gray and his team visited the mining dump where the team was busy flattening the illegal miners’ structures and seizing their equipment.

The multi-disciplinary team for today, comprised of officials from West Rand Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, Public Order Police, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9 and Bidvest Protea Coin while air support to the ground forces was rendered by the SAPS, Fidelity and Tracker helicopters & drones.

The thirty undocumented persons will be processed by the established West Rand Processing Centre before appearing at the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours. They are facing charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any knowledge of criminal activities in their communities by calling the SAPS Crime Stop toll free number 08600 10111 or to send tip-offs via MySAPS Application which can be downloaded on any smartphone. Information received will be treated with confidentiality and callers may remain anonymous.

Enquiries: Brigadier Brenda Muridili – 0716869425