SAPS operations to continue in West Rand

JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Bheki Cele says SAPS operations in the West Rand will continue to combat illegal mining.

READ: West Rand Protests | Residents living in fear

Cele visited West Village to assess interventions following the gang rape of eight women at a disused mine in Krugersdorp while they were filming a music video.

Last month several communities took to the streets, accusing illegal miners of terrorising their community.

The police minister said, "we promised and we made commitment  that we will try to work together with the communities that's why we are back here we have moved a little bit on some areas."

"One area that we went to where there is a serious issue is: there was a zama zama factory that has been dismantled . There are issues that communities are still raising but more than anything it looms like the life is getting back to normal. We need to sustain it."

But despite promises to deploy special forces, residents say police have not honoured their promise. 

Crime activist Nicoline Trom said, "we listed the things that the community wants in order for them to stay safe. None of the things that were promised at the Imbizo have come to pass. We asked for the soldiers. There are no soldiers there's no soldiers."

West Rand communities were promised better policing - but a month later, some say little has changed.

Meanwhile, police say investigations into the horrific gang rape that happened here in July continue.

Cele said, "14 people have appeared in court and you know those people were fully identified by the victims in both photos and in the actual identification of those people."

Cele says operations will continue to beef up security in the area.