During recent Operation Vala Umgodi actions, the Combat operators team received and operationalised intelligence on illicit mining activities in Riebeeckstad area near Welkom. The members arrived at the identified target house in Blenheim Avenue and conducted a search.

Gold bearing material; in buckets and basin as well as gold processing equipment; lephenduka, mill stand and chains used to help with separation of sand from gold ores were seized. A 51-year-old male who was found to be in the Republic of South Africa without proper documents was arrested for illicit mining. A case docket of Possession of suspected gold bearing material, gold processing equipment and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Welkom Police Station.

Mine employees and individuals who owns businesses are found to be colluding or conspiring with illegal miners to commit crime. A 59-year-old loader operator was arrested for Conspiracy to commit crime and Contravention of Mine Health and Safety Act at Kopanong Mine. The suspe
ct was searched and found with foodstuffs tied around his body hidden underneath the clothing. Anti-retrovirals; Peanut butter with price of R2 000.00 written on the packaging; Soya mince, rice, mealie meal and other consumable products were confiscated.

The collaborative effort between the South African Police Service and Private Security Companies enabled the arrest of seven (7) illegal miners aged between 28 and 32 still at Kopanong Mine. Cases of Conspiracy to commit crime, Attempted theft of State minerals and precious metals and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Vierfontein Police Station.

Business owners conspiring with illegal miners are warned that they have been identified and the police will not hesitate to arrest anyone involved in crime or illicit mining. All suspects will appear before Court soon.

Source: South African Police Service