Nine arrested for illegal mining in Ten Acres
The Hawks pounced on the suspects while they were busy operating an illegal precious metals refinery machine at a secluded site.
Nine people were arrested in connection with alleged illegal mining activities at a plot in Ten Acres last Thursday, September 22.
The arrests came after the Haws’ Serious Organised Crime investigation team in the West Rand District pounced on the suspects while they were busy operating an illegal precious metals refinery machine at a secluded site.
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More than 200 tons of gold-bearing material with an estimated value of R550 000 were recovered.
Implements such as phendukas and generators were also confiscated.
The Hawks’ Gauteng Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa praised the members following the arrests and thanked them for their continuous efforts to fight the scourge of illegal mining.
We remain in the forefront of the fight against the illegal-mining trade. Anyone who has information relating to these illegal activities, be it at the plots or any other areas is urged to report it to authorities.
“We will deal with individuals in organised illegal mining and precious metals decisively,” said Kadwa.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on September 26.
