Four suspects were arrested by a joint initiative among the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the Hawks, and two Private Security, for illegal mining.
They were arrested at a gold refinery in Booysens, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The law enforcers raided a refinery with the legal registration to process precious metals.
But an investigation revealed it was illegally processing gold-bearing material for the Zama Zama (illegal miners).
Moreover, authorities seized gold-bearing material and processed gold, with a street value of an estimated R1,000,000.
Eldred Fortein, JMPD Acting Chief of Police and Acting Commissioner, said “this joint operation sends a clear message, the JMPD, alongside the Hawks, are aggressively targeting the entire value chain of illegal mining. We are not just focusing on the individuals underground, but on the sophisticated, illegitimate infrastructure, like this refinery, that enables illegal miners to operate. We will continue to disrupt these criminal networks that threaten the safety and economic stability of our city.”
The facility has been shut down pending further investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Picture: Supplied