GAUTENG – Nine suspects including an owner have been arrested for alleged illegal mining activities at a plot at Ten Acres, Randfontein today.

The group’s illegal activities were brought to a halt when the Hawks’ Serious Organized Crime Investigation team in the West Rand pounced on the suspects whilst they were busy operating an illegal precious metals refinery at a secluded site.

Over 200 tons of gold bearing material with an estimated value of R550 000-00 and implements such as pendukas and generators have been confiscated from the facility.

Eight of the apprehended suspects are undocumented immigrants aged between 18 and 32, save for a 66-year-old local who owns the plot.

The group is expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 September 2022.

The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks’ Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has praised the members for their continuous efforts in fighting the scourge of illegal mining.

“We remain in the forefront of the fight against the illegal mining trade. Anyone who has information relating to these illegal activities, be it at the plots or any other areas is urged to report such to authorities. We will deal with individuals in organized illegal mining and precious metals decisively”. He concluded.

Source: South African Police Service