Police seize rifles and explosives in Magalies illegal mining bust
Six zama zamas were caught after trying to flee a police raid at Protea Mine in Magaliesburg.
Six alleged illegal miners were arrested in Magaliesburg on October 24.
According to a police statement, this happened at the Protea Mine in Blaauwbank, and Gauteng Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said the arrest came after a joint operation between Magaliesburg police and their Search and Rescue K9 units.
“When police arrived, the suspects attempted to flee on foot; however, they were apprehended.”
• Also read: ‘Illegal miner’ caught with AK-47s and gold
They seized mining equipment, including jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel and generators. He added they also recovered four rifles and 343 rounds of ammunition.
The statement further said the operation involved Magaliesberg police, Search and Rescue Bronkhorspruit K9, Soshanguve K9, and Benoni K9 units.
“The suspects will appear before the court soon,” he concluded.
