Eight illegal miners were remanded in police custody following their appearance in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court for contravening the Precious Metal Act, illegal mining and unlawful possession of unwrought metal on Monday September 17.

Read: Seven illegal miners arrested at a rehabilitated mine in Giyani

The suspects, Masingita Maluleke, Linah Makhuvele, Sanieta Sithole, Paulos Maluleke, Samuel Seshoka, Busani Nkuna, Raolinah Mbombi and Linah Matwasa were not asked to plead and they were remanded in custody until Friday, September, 21 pending a formal bail application.

The eight were arrested during a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police and Department for Mineral Resources at Ellerton – a rehabilitated mine at Hlaniki village in Greater Giyani.

Read: TZANEEN: Illegal mining poses danger to residents

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke said that 89 bags of gold bearing material were seized during the operation.

He said the operation follows two similar ones conducted in March and May this year where about 45 suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining and for unlawful possession of unwrought precious metal. Police investigations continue.