Six suspected illegal miners were arrested after they were found with explosives during an operation at a ‘mining’ site, near the N12 in Cloverdene on February 19.
The operation was conducted by members of the EMPD, Equestrian Unit, Home Affairs Immigration, Crystal Park police, Task Force, Explosives Unit and other stakeholders.
According to EMPD media liaison officer Lerato Monyane, when police arrived at the site illegal miners ran in different directions.
“ Officers recovered 125 explosives and man-made explosives, as well as tools used for illegal mining. An illegal shebeen operating near the site was discovered and 126 bottles of liquor were confiscated,” said Monyane.
The suspects were arrested and charged with illegal mining and possession of explosives.They will appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon. All the confiscated items were booked in at the Crystal Park SAP13.
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