A multidisciplinary operation called ‘O Kae Molao’ (Where is the Law?), yielded great results when various law enforcement agencies, together with other stakeholders, conducted a raid in Matholesville on Tuesday, 9 July.
The operation focused on illegal mining and disconnection of illegal electricity cabling in the area.
On arrival of the personnel involved in the raid, numerous illegal miners fled into different parts of the area.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2019/07/09/authorities-raid-matholesville/
As the search commenced, an unattended explosive device detonated, resulting in a thorough search done by police dogs and their handlers for more evidence on the land that was used for illegal mining.
Some of the illegal miners we spoke to said they are fully aware that what they are doing is illegal, but they are not stealing from anyone.
One even stated that he spent two days in the shaft and now everything he has worked so hard for has been confiscated.
“We just want government to make a plan for us. They always visit, make empty promises and till this day we do not have jobs and that is why we decided to do this. We have well-functioning mines in the country; we do not understand why we are not getting jobs from the president. I am vowing today that we will continue mining illegally because we are trying to make a living, we are trying to find means of putting food on the table,” said one of the miners, who was shattered by what was happening.
During the operation, door-to-door operations were also conducted, and a quantity of mining equipment was recovered.
According to Captain Mavela Masondo, the Gauteng Police spokesperson, ten sacks containing gold dust were seized, along with 220 steel balls, crushed soil, gold concentrate and other heavy-duty equipment including generators, blasting cartridges, 2,5m detonator cords and 97 phendukas.
“Police will continue with these operations in all the areas that are affected by illegal mining,” concluded Masondo.
