Illegal mining task team operation
4 November 2023
The Westrand District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana led Operation Shanela at Fochville and Wedela policing precincts on 02 November 2023.
The MMC for Public Safety in Merafong City, Councillor Nasiwe Mcetywa, Merafong Traffic, Fochville and Wedela CPF structures together with Youth Desks and the Crime Prevention Wardens formed part of the operation.
The operation started with a roadblock held between N12 and R500 main roads where more incidents of hijackings are reported.
SAPS Crime Prevention, FLASH and illegal mining task team focused their operational activities on the two policing precincts, paying more attention to Fochville CBD, Mpahla village, Kokosi location, 99 informal settlement, Fochville farms road, R24, N12 and R500 roads.
At Wedela the operation also focused on Mohaleshoek informal settlement, Skopas, F-section informal settlement, Ikusasa Lethu, Extension 3 Slamdam as well as Elandsridge village.
The intensified operation secured 74 arrests, with Vispol contributing 29 arrests and detectives 45.
One General dealer' shop was also closed for non-compliance with the Second-hand Goods Act whereas two more shop owners were issued with warnings for similar offenses. Loads of expired and illicit food items were seized by law enforcement agencies.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Fochville Magistrate's court soon.
Story by: SAPS
