A 31-year-old supervisor at the company providing security services to a mine in Bekkersdal was among the four suspects who were arrested for allegedly smuggling food and mining equipment to the illegal miners in Bekkersdal.
According to Captain Mavela Masondo from the office of the Gauteng Police Commissioner, it’s alleged that security guards were performing routine patrol duties at about 7.30pm on Tuesday, 5 May when they noticed a white bakkie at an isolated ventilation site at the mine.
As the guards approached the bakkie, four people jumped out and ran away. The driver sped off and security guards gave chase until they were able to stop him.
“Inside the bakkie was equipment that included a grinder, welding machine and electric cords. The driver was identified as the supervisor of the security company contracted to the mine.”
Captain Masondo added that members of the West Rand Rural Safety Police were called to the scene and interviewed the suspect, who led them to a house in Bekkersdal.
“In the yard police discovered a Toyota Quantum, loaded with packed groceries and other assortments. Upon searching the house, more food packs, to the estimated value of R1 million, were found in one of the rooms. Two men aged 31 and 32, as well as a woman aged 27 were found in the house.
“A preliminary investigation revealed the food packs were about to be taken to illegal miners who are reported to be operating underground.”
All four arrested suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, and are expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court soon.
