Equestrian Unit clamps down on illegal miners
A 34-year-old illegal miner was arrested in Dalpark on Thursday (July 23) morning.
Members of the EMPD Equestrian Unit caught the suspect red-handed, digging into the ground.
Several tools, a water pump and two bottles with gold dust were seized.
The man, who lives in Tsakane, was taken to the Brakpan police along with his wheelbarrows, spades, picks and a water pump.
Four other illegal miners, who were spotted the previous day (Wednesday, July 22), managed to escape when they were sighted by members of the Equestrian Unit.
When the Metro Police approached, all four suspects disappeared into the mine shafts. Several implements were left behind by the suspects when they took off.
Spades, a wheelbarrow, a water pump and bottles filled with gold dust were confiscated by the Metro Police and booked in at the Brakpan Police Station.
“Patrols in all the locations identified as illegal mining hotspots will continue until the practice comes to an end,” said Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD.
