Following the deployment of specialised units of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to areas in Gauteng affected by illegal mining, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele will return to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg, to update the community on the police’s response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.
The additional police deployment in the Riverlea area has so far resulted in the arrest of over 100 suspects.
While the heightened police operations continue, illegal firearms and ammunition, stolen property, explosives, gas cylinders and other apparatus commonly used during illegal mining activities have been recovered and confiscated.
Minister Cele will on 04 August 2023 lead the SAPS management from both national and the Gauteng Province in engaging the residents of Riverlea and surrounds in an effort to end illegal mining and together with communities, find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Community Imbizo that will unfold as follows.
Date: 04 August 2023
Time: 10:00
Venue: Riverlea Recreation Centre
Source: South African Police Service