Two foreign nationals were arrested in Extension 4 at Thabong, near Welkom, this past weekend for illegal gold processing.
According to the Free State police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, the arrests are part of ongoing operations to tackle illicit mining at hotspots across the province.
Covane mentioned that the suspects, aged 36 and 41, were apprehended by Public Order Police and the Tactical Response Team after officers followed up on information that led them to a unit in the Toronto Hostel. The suspects were caught in the process of refining gold material.
“Officers discovered a mill, commonly known as a Lephenduka, which is used to process gold-bearing material. Catalysts such as washing powder, vinegar, and tartaric acid, along with mercury, were found on-site. The mercury, used to form amalgam with gold deposits, was scattered across the ground,” said Covane.
A case has been opened at the Thabong Police Station for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and illegal gold processing equipment. The two undocumented suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
