Members of Operation Vala uMgodi arrested a 29-year-old Zimbabwean national in Doorn, near Welkom, for possessing suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment.
Suspect caught in the act
According to South African Police Service, the arrest took place after police received information about illegal mining activities at a house in Cactus Street.
Upon arrival, the team found the suspect actively melting what appeared to be gold bearing material in the backyard.
Crime scene experts collected 3.42 kilograms of the material along with the equipment used, including a burner pan, phenduka and stand.
More equipment found in hidden manhole
During a further search, officers uncovered more illegal items hidden underground.
Following a known trend, police opened a manhole in the yard that led to the sewage pipes.
Inside, they discovered a gas cylinder, brown connector pipes, cutting torches, two 19 kg oxygen cylinders, a steel pot, and a stumper.
Welkom Police Station opened a case docket.
The suspect is facing charges for possession of gold bearing material, gold processing equipment, and for contravening the Immigration Act.
Court appearance to follow
The authorities will soon present the arrested Zimbabwean national in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.
Police have urged the public to continue reporting illegal mining and related activities as the crackdown against unlawful mining continues across the province.
Ongoing operations in the Free State
In other areas of the Free State Province, SAPS continued its joint operations with private security companies.
In a separate incident, police found mine contraband and explosive devices at an illegal miners’ sleeping area in Kopanong Mine.
Police found explosive detonators and foodstuffs like powdered milk, drinks, porridge, peanuts, rice and tinned food.
A private security company and bomb disposal and explosives experts recovered these items.
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