THABONG – Three men have been arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation that uncovered an alleged illegal mining operation at a house in Thabong.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in the Free State, the suspects, aged between 27 and 40, were arrested on Thursday, 23 July, after members of the Bloemfontein Crime Intelligence Unit and the Welkom Public Order Police (POP) acted on information regarding suspected illicit mining activities at the property.

Police said the house was approached tactically. Upon noticing the officers, one of the suspects allegedly released a dog in an attempt to attack the police, placing members in imminent danger. Officers managed to subdue the animal without the operation being compromised.

The three suspects were arrested on charges relating to the possession of suspected gold-bearing material (GBM).

During the operation, police confiscated equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining, as well as suspected gold-bearing material. The seized items will undergo further forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

The arrests form part of the South African Police Service’s continued efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the Free State.

Police investigations are continuing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

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