3 nabbed as police strike gold in Westonaria
Three foreign nationals face court after an integrated law enforcement crackdown uncovers illegal mining supplies and a stolen firearm.
Police seized 29 bags of suspected gold-bearing material in Westonaria on November 9 during an integrated operation conducted under Operation Karabo/Prosper.
The operation, carried out with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye Protection Services, led to the arrest of three suspects.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrests.
• Also read: 2 CIT suspects shot dead in N12 shootout near Westonaria
Sibeko said police recovered one rifle and 17 live rifle rounds from a 35-year-old Lesotho national. The firearm was reported stolen in connection with a house burglary case registered in Krugersdorp.
Crackdown leads to arrests
“Two other Lesotho nationals, both aged 26, were also arrested. One was arrested for possession of ammunition and being in the country illegally, while the other was arrested for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and being in the country illegally,” confirmed Sibeko.
The operation involved members of the SANDF, West Rand, Johannesburg and Sedibeng Tactical Response Teams (TRT), the Drone Unit, Crime Intelligence and the West Rand District Intervention Team.
The three suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on November 11.
Sibeko explained that Operation Karabo/Prosper continues as police, together with other law enforcement agencies, intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across Gauteng.
