Last Wednesday, the NW Hawks arrested six men aged between 24 and 35 years for corruption, illegal dealing in precious metals, and possession of precious metals (Gold) and theft.

The suspects appeared last Friday at the Carletonville Magistrate Court.
According to the NW Hawks spokesperson, Capt. Tlangelani Rikhotso, the Hawks received a tip-off that detailed the illegal activities taking place underground at Kusasalethu Gold mine in Randfontein.
‘The illegal miners also known as Zama Zamas are alleged to have been underground since November 2016. They were nabbed as they tried to make their way out of the mine just before midnight,’ she reported.

Rikhotso says, along with the illegal miners, a security guard working at the mine was arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from the Zama Zamas.
‘In exchange, he allegedly promised to keep mum about the illegal activities taking place underground and further promised to offer protection to the illegal miners. The security guard was found with a substantial amount of money in his possession. The money is believed to have been paid by the suspects.
‘Since the beginning of the investigation into the illegal mining activities at Kusasalethu Gold mine in April 2017 to date, Gold-bearing material to the value of R150 400 has been seized and a total amount of R73 000,’ she said.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Maj-Genl Linda Mbana lauded the great work by the investigative team.