A man was arrested after police investigations into illegal immigrants led them to the discovery of material and machinery used in the processing of sand for unwrought gold-bearing material.

Operation Okae Molao was carried out on Thursday by Sedibeng Cluster SAPS together with the Department of Community Safety, Department of Home Affairs, Crime Intelligence and De Deur Community Policing Forum (CPF).

Police spokesperson Sergeant Maria Letsele says police were following Intelligence received about illegal immigrants in Walkersfruit Farm, De Deur.

“On arrival at one of the addresses, police found a man standing at the door of the workshop with the door half open.

“Sergeant Jerry Mothupi along with other members requested to search the workshop. There was a heap of sand with bags, as well as machines which are used to process the sand for unwrought gold-bearing material.”

Letsele says that upon being questioned, the 23-year-old male from Zimbabwe could not give an explanation to the police and was subsequently arrested.

“The suspect was charged with illegal processing of raw materials and detained at De Deur SAPS.”

Major General Molefe applauds the members and stakeholders for their hard work in achieving this success.