Police operations targeting illicit mining activities in the Riebeeckstad and Kopanong Mine areas led to the arrest of several individuals this week in the Free State.
According to police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, these arrests are part of the recent Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at curbing illegal mining and related crimes.
Covane confirmed that the Combat Operators team acted on intelligence regarding illicit mining activities in Riebeeckstad, near Welkom. “The team arrived at the target house on Blenheim Avenue and conducted a search,” he stated. During the search, they seized gold-bearing material stored in buckets and basins, as well as gold processing equipment, including a lephenduka, mill stand, and chains used for separating sand from gold ores.
A 51-year-old man, found in South Africa without proper documentation, was arrested for illicit mining. “He was apprehended for possessing suspected gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment,” Covane said. A case docket was opened at Welkom Police Station, which also included charges for contravening the Immigration Act.
In a separate operation at Kopanong Mine, a 59-year-old loader operator was arrested for conspiring with illegal miners and violating the Mine Health and Safety Act. “The suspect was searched and found with foodstuffs, including anti-retrovirals, soya mince, and rice, tied around his body and hidden under his clothing,” Covane confirmed. The packaging indicated a price of R2000 for the items. He added that the suspect’s actions demonstrated a collaboration with illegal miners to commit crime.
The ongoing operations, made possible through cooperation between the South African Police Service and private security companies, also resulted in the arrest of seven illegal miners aged between 28 and 32 at Kopanong Mine. “The charges include conspiracy to commit crime, attempted theft of state minerals and precious metals, and violations of the Immigration Act,” Covane noted. These cases have been registered at Vierfontein Police Station.
“They have been identified, and the police will not hesitate to arrest anyone involved in crime or illicit mining,” he emphasised. All suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
