15 arrested, ammunition seized in Free State illicit mining crackdown
Law enforcement’s foot, vehicle and air-to-ground drone patrols resulted in numerous people being arrested in connection with illegal mining activities.
The Operation Vala Umgodi team in the Free State arrested fourteen undocumented people aged between 18 and 41 during an illicit mining operation, and one person for unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to police spokesperson Thabo Covane, foot, vehicle and air-to-ground drone patrols were conducted in the Allanridge Rock Dam, Meloding Calaria and Rathaba hostel areas.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that police seized 417.66 kg of gold-bearing material and various gold-processing equipment.
“During the policing actions, operators received and followed up on information about the possession of firearms and ammunition.
“A search was conducted at a house in Hani Park, next to Bronville, and the members found sixteen 9mm live ammunition rounds and four .38mm rounds in the house.
“The police then arrested the 44-year-old male for possession of unlicensed ammunition,” says Covane.
The suspects are due to appear in court soon.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
