Authorities swoop on illegal miners found with gold -bearing materials

An intelligence-driven operation in Thabong, Welkom led to four illegal miners busted with gold-bearing materials on Sunday, 26 June.

Thhe crime intelligence unit from Welkom police station followed up a tip-off over illegal operation in Thabong.

Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng said, the operation was conducted by the Knock Out Team who acted swiftly to make the arrest after a certain house was identified.

“Upon arrival, the police requested permission to search the premises and received permission,” detailed Thakeng.

During the search, the police found three spades, two basins, a mill, a wheelbarrow, a rubber washer ball, steel plates, and three heating pans. They also found 10,31kg of gold-bearing material valued at R20 000.

“Members confiscated all found items as evidence of the suspects’ activities,” Thakeng informed.

All suspects aged between 21 and 65 will soon appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court as they face charges of being in possession of suspected illegal gold-bearing material.