7 Arrested for Illegal Mining to Appear in Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday

June 24, 2024 85 5

7 Arrested for Illegal Mining to Appear in Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday

June 2024

By Mpho Moloi

Details of the Arrest

Captain Stephen Thakeng, the police spokesperson, revealed that, “intelligence-driven information was operationalised by members of Public Order Policing and Tactical Response Team on 20 June 2024 at about 14:00. The operation was conducted in conjunction with a manager from the Department of Mineral Resources, whose mandate is to inspect the mining environment.”

During the operation at a farm in Vaalbank, individuals including samplers of gold-bearing material, dump truck operators, mechanics, and excavator operators were asked to provide legal documentation for their mining activities. Upon failure to present the required documentation, their activities were declared illegal.

Seized Items and Arrested Individuals

According to Captain Thakeng, “SAPS members managed to arrest two dump truck operators, three mechanics, one excavator operator, and four samplers of gold-bearing material for mining illegally. Additionally, they confiscated 26 bags of gold-bearing material found inside a white bakkie.”

The authorities also seized various equipment used in the illegal operation, including excavators, dump trucks, and three bakkies.

Additional Arrests

Captain Thakeng added that on the same farm, a 68-year-old shepherd was apprehended for the possession of gold-bearing material. This reflects the extent of illegal mining activities plaguing the region.

Upcoming Court Appearance

All the arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 24, 2024. The court proceedings will likely shed more light on the extent of illegal mining activities and the individuals involved.