A Crime Intelligence Unit operation yesterday led to the discovery of a house in Barberton that was being used as an illegal gold processing plant.

According to Lowvelder, information was received about illegal activities taking place at the site, after which officers raided it.

They found chemicals, gold processing equipment and large quantities of gold-bearing material at the laboratory, as well as two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

It is suspected that the house has been used for the illegal processing, melting and refinery of gold-bearing ore.

Arrests and court appearance

Two suspects, aged 51 and 52, were arrested on charges of contravention of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005 and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

They are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

More arrests are expected as investigations continue.

Police commend operation

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, congratulated the team for their efforts.

“This is a breakthrough as our operations are targeting the value chain of illegal mining. It is crucial that we dismantle illegal mining infrastructure while we arrest illegal miners,” he said.

Mkhwanazi believes that the discovery and dismantling of the illegal gold processing laboratory is a major breakthrough in the fight against organised crime in the province.

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