About five (5) suspects were arrested in the Free State, by Operation Vala Umgodi teams, tackling illegal mining in hotspot areas.
The police said in a statement, cases were opened at Welkom, Thabong, and Allanridge Stations for possession of suspected gold-bearing material, with additional charges for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Authorities confiscated 4 x 19kg oxygen cylinders, 3 x 9kg gas bottles, Green, red, and brown connector pipes, cutting torches and nozzles, steel plates, galvanized steel drum, strainers, and crucible pots and 45.76kg of gold-bearing material.
Picture: SAPS