Three suspects aged 27, 33 and 47 were arrested by Operation Vala uMgodi Combat and Proactive teams in Free State Province. The suspects were found busy with illegal mining activities on an open veld near Hamlet Street, St Helena outside Welkom and near Smarties Location in Thabong.
Gold bearing material weighing at 15.24 kilograms and equipment such as garden spades and shovels were seized. Case dockets of Possession of suspected gold bearing material and processing equipment with additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Welkom and Thabong Police Stations.
Operation activities involving South African Police Service and Private Security Companies enabled arrests of three more illegal underground miners. The Joint team recovered Yellow cone pack explosives, grinder, welding machine, medicine, tobacco, cellular telephones with SIM cards and foodstuffs. The 55 year old illegal miner was also found in possession of dagga.
An interview was conducted with the suspect, and he indicated that he went underground in 2023 and that there is a level where food is plenty. A case docket for Trespassing on mine area with added charges of Possession of Explosives, Attempted theft of State precious metals as well as Contravention of Mine Health and Safety Act was opened at Vierfontein Police Station.
Two (2) more illegal miners were arrested at Beatrix 1 Mine. The suspects aged 22 and 33 allegedly went underground illegally during August 2024. Cellular telephones; Huawei and OPPO A16s with incriminating information were confiscated for further investigation. A case docket of Trespassing on mine area with added charges of attempted theft of State precious minerals and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Theunissen Police Station.
Suspects will appear before Court soon.
Gold-bearing material and processing equipment seized and more illegal underground miners arrested in possession of explosives and drugs https://t.co/0pRHTAv4s5#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/12u6KVeDBe
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 12, 2025
