Operation Vala uMgodi Combat team in Free State arrested the 41-year-old male in possession of gold bearing material and processing equipment in Annacath Street, Naudeville near Welkom. One (1) Phenduka, 9kg gas cylinder, oxygen cylinder, steel burner pans, stumping tools, bottle containing mercury and Gold bearing material weighing at 154.40 kilograms were seized by the operators.
The Proactive team; during their patrols, arrested the 60 year old male in possession of Gold bearing material weighing at 5.10 kilograms in Phomolong Settlement outside Welkom. Two separate cases were opened at Welkom Police Station and the suspects detained in police custody.
Concerted efforts by the South African Police Service operators and officials from Private Security Companies led to the arrest of other six (6) suspects in Kopanong Mine area. The six (6) suspects aged between 30 and 41 surfaced from underground illegal mining because the Multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining team continue to intercept and cut the food supply intended for underground illegal miners.
The suspects were then arrested for Illegal mining, trespassing on mine area, attempted theft of State minerals and precious metals and Contravention of Immigration Act. Case dockets were opened at Vierfontein Police Station.
All suspects will appear before Court soon.
More arrests effected for illegal mining activities in Free State https://t.co/aq1y26ci0o#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/DphLSHoouv
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 9, 2024
