JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Bheki Cele has deployed a specialised unit to combat the rampant crime and illegal mining of abandoned mines in the west of Johannesburg.
Cele along with the departments of Home Affairs and Mineral Resources have joined forces in an effort to eradicate illicit mining and the ruthless criminal syndicates which control them.
The minister visited West Village and Kagiso during a two-day imbizo over the weekend after the community went on the rampage burning property believed to be a hideout for zama zamas.
One person was killed and several suspected illegal mine workers were handed over to police during the raids last week.
ALSO READ:
- Criminal activities by zama zamas a question of national security – Makhura
- 'SA a playground for criminals': Ministers feel wrath of Krugersdorp residents
- Krugersdorp residents too afraid to leave their homes, Cele told
The illicit pursuit of precious metals has given rise to more syndicates clamouring for a stake in the deadly illicit mining industry.
Cele has ordered what he calls a full clean-up of criminality on the West Rand.
Cele has also promised that the national intervention unit and tactical response team will be deployed to other illegal mining hotspots.
The minister also addressed allegations of corruption and officers' slow response, saying that an investigation would look into this.
Meanwhile, residents who vented their anger accused police of being reactive rather than proactive to this years-long problem.
WATCH: We don’t want this government anymore’- Kagiso residents protest over illegal miners
