Nine illegal immigrants were caught processing illegal gold at Beatrix Gold Mine and in Thabong during a collaborative effort between the SAPS and private security companies.
The aim of the operation was to eradicate illicit mining activities.
Two foreign national males were arrested at Beatrix Mine and a case docket of trespassing on mine area, attempted theft of State minerals: illegal mining, the contravention of Mine Health and Safety Act and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Theunissen Police Station. The arrests ar Beatrix were done 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,” says Lt. Col Thabo Covane, media liaison officer for provincial SAPS.
He says elsewhere various operational concepts were carried out by Operation Vala uMgodi 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 (Welkom), Thabong, Phomolong Informal Settlement and bush areas near Sewage plant in Odendaalsrus.
Seven African males were found busy with illegal mining activities and were immediately arrested.
Gold bearing material weighing at 49.11 kilograms; gold processing equipment such as lePhenduka, a water pump generator and hose pipe, stumper and pot, garden spades, shovels and steel balls and chains thrown (that are 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.
