Matjhabeng – As part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in the Free State, disruptive actions resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms, ammunition, gold bearing material and copper cables.

These disruptive actions were executed on Friday 19 June in Welkom, Virginia, Allanridge and other hotspots in the Lejweleputswa District.

It is part of joint Operation Prosper, involving the SAPS’s Visible Policing unit, K9, Tactical Response Team, Airwing and Crime Intelligence. Also involved are members of the South African National Defence Force, Traffic Department and private mining security companies.

Two foreign nationals aged 24 and 25 were arrested for unlawful possession of a CZ Star 9mm firearm and eight rounds of live ammunition.

Air-to-ground policing actions continued in St Helena mining area with guidance from the airwing unit. Nine suspects were found in possession of gold bearing material and gold processing equipment, including pick axes, buckets and steel plates. The gold bearing material weighed 17,50 kg.

Three suspects were found in Allanridge busy with the separation process of gold on a self-made table. Gold bearing material weighing 6,74 kg was seized, and the illegal immigrants were apprehended.

Further arrests were effected in Harmony Country Club. A 33-year-old foreign national was found in possession of gold bearing material. The team also recovered copper cable with an estimated value of R12 682.

A 40-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of drugs in Dagbreek. Packets containing crystal meth were seized.

Members also addressed the human trafficking aspect related to illicit mining and 12 undocumented persons were apprehended.

Further actions are planned to continue with the disruption of illicit mining activities in the region.

ALSO READ: Joint operation yields arrests in Theunissen