Clampdown on illegal mining continues

The operation to catch illegal miners that came after a tip-off on the morning of 7 January is still continuing today, 8 January, after 30 miners were arrested in the course of yesterday.

In the underground clash between two rival illegal mining groups two men sustained injuries – one a head wound and the other a stab wound. One is said to be in a critical condition.

A four-man team, consisting of SAPS members and Emergency Management Services (EMS) members, entered the shaft at approximately 2.15pm on 7 January. Shortly afterwards the miners started emerging. They were arrested immediately and led away to waiting police vans.

Bags with unrefined gold also were confiscated as evidence

According to Florida Police Station spokesperson Captain Lydia Dikolomela, the operation continues today as police still are searching for more miners.