Police uncovered an illegal gold processing ‘laboratory’ in Barberton on Thursday.
The police said an intelligence -driven operation led to the discovery of a house that is used as a lab.
There, they found chemicals, gold processing equipment and large quantities of gold bearing material.
Moreover, two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, were also recovered at the scene.
It is believed the house was used for the illegal processing, melting, and refinery of gold.
Two suspects, aged 51 and 52, were arrested in connection with this. They were then charged with the Contravention of Precious Metals Act and possession of unlicensed firearms, amongst other crimes.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, said this discovery is a major blow to crime in the province.
“This is a breakthrough as our operations are targeting the value chain of illegal mining. It is crucial that we dismantle illegal mining infrastructure, while we arrest illegal miners. I would like to thank every Police Officer, including the Crime Intelligence Unit, as well as our partners that were involved in this operation” he said.
Picture: Supplied