IT was a disaster waiting to happen.
A box of explosives was placed not far from a squatter camp on the N12 Freeway near Cloverdene, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, 22 December.
But the police responded swiftly and saved lives.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said one hand grenade was unstable and the bomb squad destroyed it before it could cause any harm.
“Members of the Germiston bomb disposal unit were deployed to the scene to recover these explosive devices,” she said.
Mathe added that the military explosives and equipment were allegedly going to be delivered to illegal miners on Snake Road in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
She said the SAPS’ organised crime investigations unit received a tip-off.
“The team acted on the information and went to the scene, where they found a box with seven hand grenades, one CS smoke generator as well as a military shot exploder, tester and 18 switches. One of the hand grenades found to be unstable was destroyed on the spot to prevent any injuries and damage to property,” she said, adding that no one had yet been arrested.
“A multidisciplinary team has been dispatched to monitor the area and effect possible arrests.”
Mathe said an inquiry had also been registered to determine the origin of the explosive devices and equipment.
Residents said they were not surprised as the majority of illegal miners were staying in their midst.
“Most of them used to mine at shaft 13 and others in Benoni,” said one resident.
“These are forever putting our lives in danger – if it’s not this, it’s that. They sometimes fight over gold dust and bullets fly. We wish something could be done to eradicate illegal mining,” said another resident.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
