Operation Shanela | Community living in fear as illegal mining halted

BOKSBURG - It’s a double-edged sword for law enforcement officials.

Putting an end to an illegal mining operation has consequences for community members living alongside the miners.

This was the message from residents of the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg.

WATCH: Dozens of illegal miners arrested in Ekurhuleni

Police held an imbizo there as part of Operation Shanela.

Law enforcement officials dismantled a makeshift mining operation in the area, confiscating equipment used in the illicit operations.

Ekurhuleni Community Safety MMC Sizakele Masuku is worried,

READ: Illegal mining | SAPS, SANDF descend on Roodepoort

Flagging illegal mining as a crime that's linked to other offences.

Meanwhile, the heightened police presence over the festive season has done little to discourage some offenders.

Many people have been apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol, domestic violence, and other crimes.

* eNCA's Hloni Mtimkulu reports.