A multidisciplinary group consisting of members of the local Community Policing Forums (CPFs), the Public Order Police, Home Affairs, police officers from Brakpan and the K9 Dog Unit, as well as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) yesterday morning clamped down on Plastic City in Brakpan where illegal miners, better known as Zama-Zamas, were busy damaging infrastructure and conducting illegal mining activities.
Councillors of the coalition partners in the Ekurhuleni Metro Council and Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature oversaw the operation.
The operation was executed on request of residents living near Plastic City. Crime in and around the area has risen significantly.
Plastic City residents mainly consist of people who collect plastic, melt it and then sell it.
But lately, foreigners had moved into the area and started damaging infrastructure. Tar roads, underground water lines and power lines have been dug up to enable miners to conduct their gold production. Many of the mine shafts in the area were closed years ago.
During the operation, 13 illegal miners were arrested and the police confiscated various wheelbarrows, water pumps, gate motors, generators, hosepipes, gardening equipment and so forth as evidence.
The SPCA also took away eight abused dogs.
Coalition councillors, community safety groups and security companies will continue to execute such operations in Plastic City to put an end to the illegal miners' activities.
The FF Plus, which frequently oversees such operations, wants to thank all the parties involved for their cooperation.
Such lawlessness must not be tolerated.
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