Police Minister Bheki Cele says Gauteng police must go into the festive season with “caution and agility”. Officers took their Safer Festive Season Inspection Tour to Kagiso in the West Rand on Thursday.

Cele and Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, monitored heightened crime prevention and combating police operations during the third installment of the tour.

Cele called on Gauteng police to act swiftly on illegal mining in the West Rand. Police say the area has seen an increase in illegal mining activity.

Illegal miners, also known as “zama zamas”, are costing South Africa’s economy billions of Rands, according to police.

Officers are also concerned about “underground wars”, which have resulted in the loss of life.

Cele told police to arrest “zama zamas” and take away their firearms.

He has also urged police to take action against criminals terrorising communities.

“Cash-in-Transit heists, carjackings and home invasions remain some of the crimes most feared by South Africans and we know there will be increased attempts of these types of crimes during this holiday season.

“This is why Gauteng police are shifting resources to counter these violent acts. Each day officers must, through their actions, send a strong message to criminals that these callous acts don’t have a space in our society,” Cele said.

The minister says officers must take a zero-tolerance approach to crime.

“Police must use all available resources at their disposal to root out violent crime in communities,” Cele said.

He says officers must intercept would-be gangs or anyone with the intent to create lawlessness

“… officers must be mindful that they are mandated by the law to protect lives and property, at all costs.”

Cele will be continuing the Safer Festive Season Inspection Tour in the Free State on Friday.