| 2024/11/10 |
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Media Statement
FREE STATE – Operation Vala uMgodi Combat and Proactive teams together with the South African National Defense Force members swept through identified illicit mining hotspots during the weekly planned actions. The teams witnessed the sealing of a ventilation shaft at Beatrix Mine Shaft 4. The role players and stakeholders had in the past intercepted contraband goods dropped down the shaft several times. The teams then conducted the patrols around Shaft 4 and recovered suspected gold bearing material weighing at 129.30 kilograms, air gun, knife and a small cellular telephone. The team proceeded to two locations; a house in Chuime Street – Thabong and Schoeman Street – Riebeeckstad. A rifle safe and burglar door grill reported to be stolen during a business robbery and other items were confiscated. The operation was extended to Monyakeng near Wesselsbron where the 26 year old male was found in possession of dagga. During the search, the police seized 142 small bankies containing dried leaves of dagga, loose dagga in a plastic bag and an electrical scale. The suspect was arrested and a case of Dealing in dagga was opened at Wesselsbron Police Station. The collaboration between the South African Police Service and Private Security Companies continued to bear good results. Eighteen (18) underground illegal miners with ages ranging between 27 and 51 were arrested at Kopanang Mine. The story told by all arrested suspects indicate that they ventured in illegal mining through the help of several ‘bosses’ from Khuma near Stilfontein. Items such as cellular telephones and SIM cards were confiscated from the suspects by the police. Cases of Trespassing on mine area with added charges of attempted theft of State minerals and precious metals and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Vierfontein Police Station.
Suspects will appear before Court soon.
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