Fourteen arrested on suspicion of illegal mining

Fourteen men were arrested and mining equipment, including explosives, was confiscated by police today (March 8).

The makeshift firearm found by police during an operation to find illegal miners.

The arrests were made during a cluster operation held in the area between New Modder Road and Golden Drive.

Police said the suspects would be charged with illegal mining.

While the City Times was on scene, a makeshift firearm was found in the area.

Reportedly, the weapon is loaded with a single bullet and used in close quarters combat.

Watch the video of the weapon being inspected by a police officer:

Police told the City Times the following equipment was seized as part of the operation:

• Several phendukas (a bowl used for sifting gold particles from soil)

• Phenduka stands

• Gas cylinders

• Commercial explosives

• Seven electrical detonators

• 28 connecting cap fuses

• 23 blasting cartridges

• Five packs of ammonium nitrate

• Around 100m of detonation cord.

Police were still on the scene at 12.50pm.

More details will follow.