Police seized detonating cord, blasting cartridges, fuses and liquid mercury during an operation in Randfontein. Image credit SAPS
Police have arrested a Mozambican man and a Zimbabwean woman for the unlawful possession of explosives in Randfontein, on Gauteng’s West Rand. The Randfontein explosives arrest followed an intelligence driven operation on Thursday, 15 October.
A joint team carried out the operation. It included SAPS Crime Intelligence, the National Intervention Unit, Fidelity Specialised Services and other partners.
What police found in the Randfontein explosives arrest
During the operation, officers seized detonating cords, blasting cartridges and fuses fitted with connector caps. They also found a quantity of liquid mercury, four cellphones and cash. According to police, the explosives have an estimated street value of about R70 000.
The two suspects face charges of unlawfully possessing explosives, and they will appear in court soon. Police have not yet named them or given their ages.
Police have also not said what the suspects allegedly planned to do with the explosives. However, the items match those that illegal miners commonly use underground. Miners use detonating cord, blasting cartridges and fuses to blast through rock. Meanwhile, illegal miners often use mercury to separate gold from crushed ore. Mercury is highly toxic, and it can poison miners, nearby communities and water sources.
The West Rand has become one of the main battlegrounds in the fight against illegal mining in South Africa. Abandoned mine shafts around Randfontein, Krugersdorp and Mohlakeng attract thousands of illegal miners, often called zama zamas. Many of them come from neighbouring countries. Communities in the area have long complained about violent turf wars, robberies and dangerous open shafts linked to illegal mining.
Police have stepped up their response in recent months. In September, police and the South African National Defence Force arrested 39 suspects in Mohlakeng and the Randfontein CBD during Operation Prosper. During that week long operation, officers seized 17 explosives, blasting cartridges, detonating cord and mining equipment such as generators and jackhammers. Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko warned at the time that illegal mining poses serious risks to communities, the environment and public safety.
Explosives in the wrong hands also pose a wider danger. Criminals have used similar explosives to blow up ATMs and attack cash in transit vehicles across the country.
Meanwhile, commentary across social media platforms has welcomed the arrests. Many users have praised the intelligence driven approach. Others have called for tighter controls on how explosives leave mines and reach criminal networks.
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