Welkom – A joint operation between the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force and private mining security companies continued disrupting illegal mining activities in Lejweleputswa District, Free State Province, on Friday.

The integrated team conducted patrols at G-Hostel in Thabong, where they found and demolished several self-made gold-bearing material gravity separation tables. Four men were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. Case dockets were opened at Thabong Police Station.

In a separate operation at St Helena 08 Old Shaft, three foreign nationals aged 30, 32 and 32 were found digging. Police seized suspected gold-bearing material weighing 12,5 kg. Gold processing equipment, including two garden spades, a pick axe, a self-made strainer, a plastic bucket and a sieve, were also confiscated. Case dockets were opened at Welkom Police Station.

At Harmony Country Club, 27 suspects – 20 men and seven women – were arrested for trespassing and possession of housebreaking implements. The team also recovered copper cable weighing 17,1 kg, which was taken to Steyn 02 barracks. Cases of trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act were opened at Virginia Police Station.

Operation Prosper actions continue.

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