As part of the continuing clampdown on illicit mining that forms part of Operation Vala Mgodi in the Free State, two foreigners were arrested while processing gold material in Thabong.
On Saturday, 7 September, the men (aged 36 and 41 years, respectively) were apprehended at a hostel in Thabong Extension 4.
Members of the Public Order Police (POP) and Tactical Response Team (TRT) operators followed up on information that led them to a unit in the Toronto Hostel, where the suspects were caught in the act.
A mill (known as a “lephenduka”); chains thrown inside the mill to help with processing; and catalysts such as washing powder, vinegar and tartaric acid were found at the scene. Mercury used as an alloy with the gold metal deposit to form amalgam was splattered all over the ground.
A docket of possession of suspected gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment was opened at the Thabong Police Station. The two undocumented men were detained. – Vista Editorial
