38 suspects were arrested for illegal mining at Pilgrim’s Rest on Sunday.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement, 36 of the total amount, were in possession of gold-bearing material (GBM), gold-bearing equipment (GBE) while two were arrested for the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Police also confiscated 10 head torches, one steel ball, six 12.5-kilogram bags containing GBM, one pick, two hammers, three iron rods, one chisel, three phendukas, one knife, one cell phone and other equipment believed to have been used during that illegal activity.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court soon.
Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, said “illicit mining remains a serious concern as it fuels other forms of criminality and undermines lawful economic activity. We will continue to conduct operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities, seize equipment used by illegal miners and bring those involved in these activities to justice. We also urge communities to work with the police by providing information that can assist us in combating illicit mining and associated crimes.”
Picture: SAPS newsroom