The Cluster Commander, Major General Fred Kekana has applauded the integrated and intelligence-driven operation by Westrand Directorate Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) this morning that led to the arrest of five suspects in the Randfontein farming area.
Police today uncovered an illegal gold extraction plant on a farm in Brandvlei, District Randfontein.
Five suspects, aged between 20 and 49 were busted and arrested while busy with the purification and extraction of gold after information led police to this isolated area. Police found motorized equipment illegally connected to a power supply.
An unlicensed firearm and ammunition were also recovered.
“Not only is illegal mining a criminal offence, it can also generate serious and violent crime for various reasons. So those involved in these types of crime are warned that police are hot on their heels”, said the Cluster Commander.