| 2025/03/29 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE – Roving team, Combat and Proactive operators, members of the South African National Defence Force, and Private Security Companies are relentless in the execution of disruptive illicit mining policing actions in the Free State Province. A total of four illegal miners, aged between 37 and 47, were arrested during bush patrols in Tetra Plant Station area in Beatrix Mine. The team spotted two suspicious vehicles; a Toyota Quantum and Hilux trespassing on mine area as pursuit ensued. The Quantum was tactically brought to a halt, and the suspects started running in different directions. The agile members managed to chase and arrest some. Crime Scene Experts were summoned to collect crucial evidence from cigarette buds, clothing, head gear; beanies, hoodies and gloves. Gold bearing material weighing at 16.29 kilograms was also seized. A case docket of Trespassing on mine area, Possession of suspected gold bearing material and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Theunissen Police Station. More arrests were effected in Old African Rainbow Mineral [ARM] 6 Shaft area. Two illegal miners were found busy with illegal mining activities, and gold bearing material weighing at 41.20 kilograms was seized by the police. Gold processing equipment such as 14kg oxygen cylinder, 9kg gas cylinder, cutting torch, stumper and stumper pots, water pump generators and connector pipes in Beatrix, Old ARM mines and G-Hostel in Thabong. A case of Trespassing on mine area, Possession of suspected gold bearing material with additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Welkom Police Station. The suspects will appear before Court soon. Ends
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