Police arrested 38 people during a midnight operation targeting illegal mining in Pilgrim’s Rest on Sunday (September 13).

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, 36 of the suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material and equipment. Two others were arrested for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, reports Lowvelder.

Nonyane-Mpe said all 36 people arrested in connection with the alleged illegal mining are foreign nationals without valid documentation.

Gold-bearing material and equipment seized

Police seized six 12.5kg bags containing gold-bearing material, three phendukas, 10 head torches, a steel ball, a pick, two hammers, three iron rods, a chisel, a knife and a cellphone during the operation. Other equipment believed to have been used for illegal mining was also confiscated.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court to face charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, and alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Detectives are working with the Department of Home Affairs officials to establish the immigration status of the arrested suspects.

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