| 2025/01/08 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE – Collaboration between Operation Vala uMgodi operators and Private Security Companies enabled the arrest of a 48-year-old male on charges related to Illicit mining conspiracy. The team identified an Iveco minibus carrying pre-packaged food parcels intended to be dropped down ventilation shaft in Beatrix Mine area. The bus was stopped, searched and the packaged food seized. Contraband foodstuffs intended for underground illegal miners continue to be intercepted by members of the South African Police Service and Private Security Companies; canned beef, tinned fish, baked beans and chakalaka, fizzy drinks and instant porridge were also confiscated in Kopanang Mine during the recent operational activities. A case of Conspiracy to commit crime: assisting of underground miners, Trespassing on mine area and Contravention of Immigration Act was opened at Theunissen Police Station. The contraband foodstuffs confiscated and the Iveco minibus were also booked in the Evidence Management System. Operators apprehended a 22-year-old male found in possession of gold bearing material weighing at 24.18 kilograms, a pick axe and a shovel. The suspect was arrested on Eiland Old Mine grounds busy with illegal mining activity in an open pit. Another 27-year-old male was found busy with separation process on a makeshift slope table on Western Holdings 05 Mine grounds. The police seized 58.18 kilograms as well as a pick axe and a shovel. The disruptive actions continued in Thabong. Operators arrested a 46-year-old male at G-Hostel near Constantia Road and seized 7.06 kilograms of gold bearing material. Oxygen cylinder and a nozzle, gas regulators, pipes, pliers, crusable cup with gold bearing were seized in the same vicinity and 32 male arrested. Cases of Possession of suspected gold bearing material; processing equipment/ Trespassing on mine areas with additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Welkom and Thabong Police Stations respectively. All suspects will appear before Court soon.
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