Four Illegal miners were arrested during bush patrols at the Tetra Plant Station area in Beatrix Mine.
The Operation Vala Umgodi roving team, combat and proactive operators, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and private security companies are relentless in the execution of disruptive illicit mining policing actions in the Free State.
On Friday, 28 March, the the team spotted two suspicious vehicles, a Toyota Quantum and Hilux, trespassing in a mining area. A pursuit ensued and the Quantum was brought to a halt. They pursued the fleeing suspects, and arrested two of them.
Crime scene experts were summoned to collect crucial evidence from cigarette butts, clothing, head gear, beanies, hoodies and gloves. Gold bearing material weighing 16,29kg was also seized.
The SAPS opened cases of trespassing on mine premises, possession of suspected gold bearing material and contravention of the Immigration Act at the Theunissen Police Station.
Two more arrests were made at the Old African Rainbow Mineral (ARM) 6 Shaft area, where two people were found busy with illegal mining activities.
“Two more arrests were made at the Old African Rainbow Mineral (ARM) 6 Shaft area, where two people were found busy with illegal mining activities. The team confiscated gold bearing material weighing 41,20kg,” said Lt. Col Thabo Covane of SAPS Corporate Communication and Liaison in the Free State.
In total, the team confiscated gold processing equipment such as a 14kg oxygen cylinder, a 9kg gas bottle, a cutting torch, a stumper and stumper pots, water pump generators and connector pipes at Beatrix, Old ARM mines and G-Hostel in Thabong.
“Cases of trespassing on mine premises and possession of suspected gold bearing material, with an additional charge of contravention of Immigration Act were opened at the Welkom Police Station,” said Covane.
You must be logged in to post a comment.