Police operations in Riverlea since Tuesday, have resulted in the arrest of 79 suspected illegal miners. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili says 69 of the suspects are undocumented persons.
This follows the deployment of the police’s Special Task Force, after the death of five illegal miners near the Zamimpilo informal settlement on Sunday. Their deaths have been blamed on an alleged turf war between rival illegal miners.
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The shooting prompted a visit to the area by Police Minister Bheki Cele who promised the deployment of the task force. Muridili says the operations will continue until Riverlea’s illegal mining activities have been stabilised.
One person was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, the other one for possession of ammunition, five for possession of suspected stolen property and three for common assault.
The police have also seized an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, explosives, gas cylinders, gold bearing sand, alcohol from an illegal shebeen, among other things.
VIDEO: Riverlea Focus | On the trail of illegal miners in an open field with holes leading underground
