The EMPD Intervention Unit, with Community Liaison Unit (CLU) officers, arrested a man on June 3 in the Cloverdene area for alleged illegal mining-related offences and attempted bribery.

Acting on information received, officers followed up on reports of a suspect allegedly in possession of illegal mining equipment and soil suspected to contain gold-bearing material.

The operation led police to the corner of Red Sea Street and Cloverdene Road in Chief Albert Luthuli Park, where they discovered a man inside a room containing illegal mining equipment, stones believed to contain gold, and several bags of soil.

According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, the suspect attempted to avoid arrest by offering officers a bribe. During the operation, he allegedly presented officers with a small carry bag containing R19 500 in cash in an effort to negotiate his release.

The officers rejected the bribe, and the cash was confiscated as evidence.

All suspected illegal mining equipment, soil samples, and other items found at the premises were also seized and booked for further investigation.

The suspect was arrested and detained at Crystal Park Police Station. He faces charges of illegal mining, contravention of the Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002), bribery, and possession of suspected gold-bearing or precious material.
He is expected to appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon.

Also Read: illegal mining