About 22 people were arrested for illicit goods worth more than R4 million in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, over the weekend.
They were arrested during the police’s Operation Shanela campaign.
The police said this amount can be added to the bust made earlier on in September by the police, where the Hawks and Customs, seized illicit and counterfeit cigarettes worth more than R41 million, during a joint operation in Durban, last week.
Police also intercepted a truck and discovered suspected stolen copper and metal worth R20 million, allegedly linked to Telkom and Eskom, last week.
Three suspects were arrested in Algoa Park, Gqeberha, as part of Operation Ukubuza.
Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, called on officers to remain vigilant, particularly in high-crime provinces such as Gauteng, and also reminded the police to look after each other, as they continue to serve communities under increasingly dangerous conditions.
Another 30 suspects were arrested for illegal mining, in Mohlakeng, West Rand District, on Monday.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, said they worked closely with the South African National Defence Force.
The suspects are between the ages of 25 and 43.
They were arrested for various offences, including illegal mining, possession of illegal mining equipment and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
Police recovered illegal mining equipment, including 44 generators, pendukas, jackhammers, spades, stamps, stamp pots, drill bits, water pumps, detonating cords and explosives.
Picture: Supplied