Eleven (11) suspects were arrested for illegal mining, in the Lejweleputswa District, Free State Province.
The police said in a statement, the eleven were arrested by a joint law enforcement effort- “Operation Prosper.”
First, seven (7) males, aged between 20 and 49,were found at the Eland Shaft mine area, whilst busy conducting a separation process on a self-made table.
There, police seized thirteen (13) spades, seven (7) pick axes, three (3) steel plates, two (2) pairs of gumboots and four (4) buckets.
Gold-bearing material weighing 63.70 kilograms was also collected in five (5) evidence bags and seized.
Then, two other males,aged 38 and 43 were found at Reahola Hostel.
They were also in possession of one (1) spade, pick axe, steel plate, and a bucket.
The team also seized gold-bearing material weighing 58.10 kilograms.
The last bust involved a 38 year old and a 64 year old, arrested at Tim Right.
Gold-bearing material weighing 28.98 kilograms was seized.
Picture: Supplied