Five foreign nationals have been arrested on charges related to illicit mining during Vala uMgodi operations in the Goldfields.
On Tuesday 29 April, combat and proactive operators, supported by drone pilots, intensified disruptive policing actions.
The team, that includes members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and private security companies, executed operational concepts in Flamingo Park notorious smelt houses, the Merriespruit Evaporation Dam area, the St Helena Old Mine area, Beatrix Old Shaft 4, where open-cast illegal mining often happens, and G-Hostel Constantia Road in Thabong.
The arrested men were found possessing 106,91kg of gold bearing material. Gold processing equipment such as large gas bottles, industrial oxygen cylinders, connector pipes, regulators, cutting torches and nozzles, garden spades, steel plates, burner pans and crucible pots were confiscated.
“Cases dockets of possession of suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment, with an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act, were opened in Thabong, Theunissen, Virginia and Welkom police stations.”
Lt. Col Thabo Covane, police spokesperson in the Free State.
“Cases dockets of possession of suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment, with an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act, were opened in Thabong, Theunissen, Virginia and Welkom police stations,” says Lt. Col Thabo Covane, police spokesperson in the Free State.
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