Five (5) suspects were arrested in the Free State, for illegal mining.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the men were arrested by its Operation Vala Umgodi Combat and Proactive operators; supported by drone pilots, in what was identified as illicit mining hotspot areas.
About 106.91 kilograms of gold bearing material was seized.
Equipment suspected to have been utilized in illegal mining activities was also confiscated.
As a result, the police opened cases of the possession of suspected gold bearing material, gold processing equipment with an additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act, at Thabong, Theunissen, Virginia and Welkom Police Stations.
In the same province, a partnership between SAPS and Private Security Companies, recovered 1500 Red detonators at Kopanang Mine.
Bomb Disposal and Explosives Experts Unit were summoned to the mine to handle the explosives after they were found left behind by illegal underground miners.
Picture: SAPS