A total of 16 suspects were arrested for illegal mining during an operation by police in the West Rand District on Wednesday, 3 February.
According to Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, the Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, suspects were arrested in Waterpan, Zuurbekom and at Donaldson Dam – areas classified as hot spots for illegal mining.
Among those who were arrested were undocumented foreign nationals,” Lefakane added.
During the operation police also found 10 gas cylinders, power tools, buckets filled with gold-bearing materials and garden tools.
All suspects will appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court soon.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner praised police for the arrests.
We will not rest until the entire West Rand District is free from illegal miners,” he added.
