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| Illegal Zama Zama arrested by SAPS in Riverlea |
Johannesburg's Riverlea area has become the focus of an intensive crackdown on organized illegal mining, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) leading the charge. On August 4, 2023, the SAPS issued a media invitation to update the public on the progress made following the deployment of specialized SAPS units in Gauteng to tackle the illegal mining activities.
The efforts are being spearheaded by Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, who has been actively involved in leading the operations to combat the illegal mining operations in Riverlea. The deployment of specialized units, including the Special Task Force (STF), National Intervention Unit (NIU), and Tactical Response Team (TRT), has yielded remarkable results.
According to recent updates shared on the official SAPS Twitter account, over 100 individuals, known as "ZamaZamas," have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities. The ZamaZamas are individuals who engage in illegal mining, often operating in dangerous and environmentally damaging conditions.
In addition to the ground operations carried out by the SAPS units, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly referred to as the Hawks, is conducting a parallel investigation. The Hawks are actively looking into the handlers and masterminds behind the illegal mining operations, aiming to dismantle the networks that support these criminal activities.
The SAPS, along with various units, such as private security, the SAPS Air Wing, and drones, have adopted a comprehensive approach to monitor and counter underground illegal mining activities effectively. This strategy exemplifies the use of smart policing and partnership policing to address organized crime in the region.
To maintain transparency and keep the community informed, the SAPS and Police Minister General Bheki Cele conducted a walkabout in the Riverlea area, where the recent arrests were made. During this walkabout, the authorities inspected the entry points used by the ZamaZamas to access disused mines, which have now been closed off to prevent further illegal mining activities.
[ORGANISED CRIME] Members of the Special Task Force (STF) National Intervention Unit (NIU) Tactical Response Team(TRT) are some of the units on the ground in #Riverlea tackling #Illegalmining whilst the DPCI aka Hawks are investigating the handlers of the #ZamaZamas pic.twitter.com/E5JqYMoMrZ
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) August 4, 2023
Furthermore, community engagement sessions have been conducted to update the local residents about the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and address their concerns.
Lirandzu Themba, a prominent journalist, has also reported on the situation. She highlights the involvement of the STF, NIU, and TRT on the ground in Riverlea, actively tackling the issue of illegal mining. Meanwhile, the Hawks are diligently investigating the handlers of the ZamaZamas, aiming to root out the core of organized crime behind these operations.
The joint efforts of the SAPS, Hawks, and other units have resulted in substantial progress in curbing illegal mining activities in Riverlea. The collaboration and determination exhibited by the law enforcement agencies underscore their commitment to maintaining safety, security, and environmental integrity in the region.
For further details and updates, interested parties can refer to the SAPS newsroom through the provided link: SAPS.For the latest news updates, follow HmrNewsUpdates on Twitter and hmrnewsupdates on Instagram. Like our Facebook Page, HMR News Updates, to stay informed
