By Kaya 959 Reporter
Eleven illegal miners are due to appear in court this week. The SAPS arrested the men as part of ongoing Operation O Kae Molao crime combating efforts.
“This weekend the focus was on illegal mining which is a root cause for crimes such as assault, murders, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms,” says Colonel Dimakatso Sello
She adds police nabbed the men in Matholesville, Roodepoort. Officers also confiscated illegal mining equipment.
Sello says under the leadership of Gauteng SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, officers were deployed to various parts around the province.
The operation also saw over 800 people arrested for various crimes that range from possession of unlicensed firearms, possession and dealing in drugs.
“There were also suspects arrested for gender-based violence and 70 more nabbed for contravening the Immigration Act,” Sello says.
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She adds that roadblocks were set in different areas throughout the province and scores of vehicles and people were searched.
Four unroadworthy vehicles were impounded and two stolen vehicles were recovered. Traffic police also issued R39 000 worth of fines.
“The impact of this highly intensified visibility and crime intelligence-driven operation was greatly appreciated by the Provincial Commissioner.
“He applauded the zeal, enthusiasm and commitment shown by different law enforcement agencies and stakeholders throughout the entire operation,” Sello says.
So far, Gauteng police have arrested hundreds of suspects in stop-and-searches and roadblocks around the province.
Suspects were arrested for charges ranging from rape and murder to theft and contravening lockdown regulations.
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