Duane Petrus – 65 illegal immigrants, who were arrested in Welkom on Wednesday, appeared in the city’s magistrate’s court today.
Free State police spokesperson, Malebo Khosana, says the men were arrested at G-hostel in Thabong during a joint operation between the Thabong and Welkom clusters.
The suspects, who are allegedly in the country to conduct illegal mining, are Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Mozambique nationals.
Khosana says they will be fined by the court and then taken to the Department of Home Affairs for deportation.
He says 12 more suspected were arrested for trespassing at the mine premises the following day as the operation continued.
He says they are prepared for the festive season, and will conduct plenty similar operations as the festive season approaches.
The 12 who were arrested on Thursday are all South African nationals and will appear in court on Monday.
