Three males were arrested for illegal mining in Thabong, this week.
The two suspects, aged 38 and 45, were in possession of a steel plate, garden spade, basins and gold bearing material weighing at 30.70 kilograms.
Another male, aged 46, was found busy processing gold at G-Hostel Thabong.
A phenduka and two gas cylinders and gold bearing material were seized. A case of possession of suspected gold bearing material was opened at Thabong Police Station.
The police said when the operation continued, three other males were arrested, aged between 28 and 30.
The suspects were found in possession of gold bearing material weighing at 27.34 kilograms.
Cases of possession of suspected gold bearing material with additional charges of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Welkom Police Station.
A joint multi-disciplinary team deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi was made up of the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs and Private Security Companies continue to deal with each and every threat posed by Illicit Mining in Free State Province.
The team conducted foot, motor vehicles and air-to-ground patrols using drones near Stone and Allied area.
Picture: Supplied