By: Natasha Archary
Police Minister Bheki Cele has ordered a clean-up of the West Rand, following complaints of illegal mining and rampant crime in the area.
This comes after the shocking gang rape of 8 women in Krugersdorp, two weeks ago which sparked violent protests last week.
Joining forces with the departments of Home Affairs and Mineral Resources, Cele has deployed a special unit to rid the West Rand of illegal mining and crime syndicates.
Last week, residents of Krugersdorp took to the streets to flush out illegal zama zamas who they say force them to live in fear.
The zama zamas have been linked to the rape of a number of women and children and are blamed for the high crime in the West Rand.
Most of them are in the country without any paperwork and enter abandoned mine shafts which they conduct illegal mining in.
Angry community members torched the homes of a number of zama zamas and dismantled many mine shafts last week.
However, they say this isn’t enough as the zama zamas still find a way to carry out their illegal activities.
The police minister has assured the community that there will be more police presence in the West Rand.
“We have made sure that we have wiped these mines. No community should be made prisoners of crime and ruthless criminals. Residents have the right to feel safe and to sleep at night. This is why SAPS must be seen and must be felt while sealing of mines is expedited by those responsible.”
Bheki Cele has ordered a clean-up of the West Rand
The minister visited West Village and Kagiso over the weekend on a two day visit after disgruntled community members said they would do the work of the police and rid the area of criminals.
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