Five suspects are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate Court tomorrow for illegal mining.

According to the Mpumalanga Police the suspects aged 28-42 were arrested during a joint operation with the Combat, Pro-active, Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, Operational Support Team as well as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The operation occurred in the Ehlanzeni area, at Slaaihoek on the outskirts of Waterval Boven yesterday.

During the disruptive operation, five suspects, aged between 28 and 42 were apprehended for various offences, including illegal mining, contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa as well as for unlawful possession of equipment including suspected to be used during illegal mining activities.

The police also confiscated items such as generators, a gas cylinder, gas regulator, some gas pipes and other equipment.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday, December 23.