The Free State illicit mining task team arrested a 38-year-old man who was found processing gold-bearing material near the Jabulane Hostel, Thabong.
He was busy separating gold ore from sand using a makeshift slope table. Suspected gold-bearing material weighing at 13.88 kg was seized. A case of possession of suspected gold-bearing material with an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act was opened at the Thabong Police Station.
The collaboration between the police and private security companies at the Kopanong Mine also continues to bear good results.
An employee of the mine was found with contraband goods such as peanuts, soya mince, and instant porridge wrapped around his body. The employee confessed that the foodstuffs were intended to be sold to illegal underground miners at alleged exorbitant prices. A case of conspiracy to commit crime (in this regard, assisting illegal miners) with an added charge of contravention of the Mine Health and Safety Act was opened at the Vierfontein Police Station.
