Suspects allegedly involved in illegal gold mining were arrested during an Operation Prosper raid around Scheerpoort and Hartbeespoortdam on Tuesday (20/5). Operation Prosper team members descended on the area in the early hours of the morning. 

Zama zamas reportedly opened fire on police and soldiers before fleeing the scene. Despite the confrontation, no law enforcement officials were injured, said acting provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo. 

Illegal miners suspects arrested during Operation Prosper in North West. Photo: SAPS

“(One) illegal miner (was) injured but not from the shooting, and was handed to the medical team. Some of the illegal miners obviously escaped; we are unable to indicate whether some of those were injured,” he added.

Police confirmed that 26 suspects were arrested for various offences linked to illicit mining activities, while 15 of them were additionally charged with contravening the Immigration Act. They were expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (21/5).

Authorities seized a 9mm pistol with ammunition and equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining operations, including six generators, 16 electric motors, 57 pendukas, two water pumps, three jackhammers, 19 spades, eleven picks and gold-bearing sand.

Community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng praised the impact of Operation Prosper, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to combat illicit mining, gang violence and extortion in five provinces. 

“Let me say, thank you, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for Operation Prosper, as we are seeing changes and dividends that will make our country and our community safe. We can’t be held at ransom by thugs and people who continue to instil fear in our communities by committing illegal acts, and we say ‘it’s business as usual’ – no way.” 

During a legislative sitting on Tuesday, agriculture MEC Madoda Sambatha commended the police for recent successful operations targeting illegal mining. He warned illegal mining continued to threaten public safety, economic stability and the rule of law, and appealed to communities to report illegal mining operations.

Meanwhile, EFF MPL Fanon Calvin Moema acknowledged the damaging impact of illegal mining on both the province and the country, but criticised the ruling ANC for allowing the crisis to continue under its watch.

“It’s under the ANC government we saw some of the illegal miners escaping under police custody. Neo Tiger in Stilfontein escaped from police custody because of the carelessness of the ANC government.

“So it’s about time government regulate local trade. It’s about time government nationalised these minerals; it can’t be correct that the private sector is the one that enjoys impunity. 

“They are maximising their profit, capital is enjoying.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh

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