Collaborative effort between South African Police Service and Private Security Companies to eradicate illicit mining activities in Free State Province continues to yield good results.
Two male foreign nationals were arrested at Beatrix Mine and a case docket of Trespassing on mine area, Attempted theft of State minerals: illegal mining, Contravention of Mine Health and Safety Act and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Theunissen police station. This is after the underground illegal miners resurfaced and were arrested at Beatrix 1. The suspects revealed to the team that they went underground illegally during April 2024.
Elsewhere various operational concepts were carried out by Operation Vala uMgodi JOINTS role-players and stakeholders to thwart the illicit mining threat. Foot, vehicle as well as air-to-ground patrols were conducted at Beatrix Old Mine Shaft 4, Reahola Hostel – Thabong, Phomolong Informal Settlement and bush areas near Sewage plant in Odendaalsrus. A total of seven male suspects were found busy with illegal mining activities and were immediately arrested.
Gold bearing material weighing at 49.11 kilograms; gold processing equipment such as phendukas, water pump generator and a hose pipe, stumper and a pot, garden spades, shovels and steel balls/ chains thrown into the Phenduka to facilitate separation process were seized. Case dockets of possession of suspected gold bearing material; gold processing equipment with additional charge of Trespassing on mine area and Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Thabong, Theunissen, Welkom and Odendaalsrus Police Stations.
The suspects will appear before court soon.
