The Hekpoort Police has arrested two young men aged 22 and 23 for illegal mining on a farm in Hartebeesfontein.
According to Hekpoort Police spokesperson Sergeant Gloria Maswanganye, the two men were arrested at about noon last Friday, February 10.
“Illegal mining hurts the country as it causes harm to the environment and the economy,” said Sergeant Maswanganye.
She added that illegal miners use extreme refining methods and materials that put others at risk. It is for this reason that when the Hekpoort Police received information about illegal mining they responded swiftly. They followed up on information with the Oostermoed, Castodia, and Volsec security companies and this led them to an outside building on a farm in Hartebeesfontein.
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“On arrival they found two male miners busy mining illegally outside the old building. They also found pendukas and other gold-bearing materials.”
Police then searched the men’s bags and found live ammunition as well as mercury inside. The men were placed under arrest and are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court soon. They have since been charged with illegal mining, having gold-bearing material, possession of live ammunition, and being in the country without legal documentation.
Hekpoort Police Station Commander Warrant Officer Baldwin Munene applauded the members for their swift response.
“He also extended his gratitude to Oostermoed, Castodia, and Volsec Security for always working with the police to make sure that the community remains safe at all times. An integrated approach always bears positive results. I urge community members to continue to be the eyes and ears of the police to bring crime in our community to zero,” said Munene.
