An illegal gold extraction plant was discovered by Randfontein Police on a farm in Brandvlei on Wednesday, 22 August.
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson said five suspects aged between 20 and 49 were busted and arrested after getting caught mining gold illegally.
She said they were busy with the purification and extraction of gold when information led the police to this isolated area.
Also Read: WATCH: Illegal mine a concern to public
Police also found motorised equipment illegally connected to a power supply and recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand Cluster commander applauded the integrated and intelligence-driven operation by the West Rand Directorate Priority Crime Investigation unit that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Kekana warned that illegal mining in the area will not be tolerated.
“Not only is illegal mining a criminal offence, it can also generate serious and violent crime for various reasons. So those guilty of this type of crime should be warned that police are hot on their heels,” Kekana said.
Members of the public should continue to collaborate with police and report on suspicious persons and activities by contacting the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 0860010111.
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