Residential illegal mining operations shut down
Equipment linked to illegal mining operations were confiscated at the site.
Suspected illegal mining operations at a residential property in Manamela Ext 24, Etwatwa, were shut down by the EMPD on April 9.
According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, officers were deployed to the property following complaints from concerned members of the community.
“Upon their arrival, officers found three men actively engaging in mining activities on a residential property.
“A search of the premises led to the discovery of various items linked to illegal mining, including gas cylinders, shovels, a bag of gold-bearing material, a cutting torch, a ceramic melting pot, generator belts, a generator, phendunkas and steel balls.”
The suspects were arrested and detained at the Etwatwa Police Station.
They are facing charges of illegal mining and will be appearing in the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court.
Confiscated items were booked in as evidence.
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