Two suspects were arrested in Fezile Dabi District for being in possession of gold-bearing materials.
In a decisive intelligence-led operation by the police, authorities have apprehended two suspects, aged 33 and 30, for possession of gold-bearing material estimated to be worth R80 000.
The raid, which took place on Friday, 26 September, at Kopanong mine, Vierfontein near Viljoenskroon, underscores the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the region and the efforts of law enforcement to combat them.
The operation was spearheaded by the Fezile Dabi district trio task team in conjunction with Sasolburg Crime Intelligence.
Acting on credible information regarding illicit mining operations, police swiftly moved to Shaft 9 of the Kopanong mine, where they discovered the two suspects in possession of materials containing gold.
It was further revealed that the suspects lacked the necessary legal documentation to be in South Africa, raising additional concerns regarding the issue of illegal immigration intertwined with illegal mining activities.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Viljoenskroon Magistrate’s Court soon, where they will face charges related to the possession of gold-bearing materials without lawful authority.
