In the first instance, eight men were arrested for possession of five unlicensed handguns last Sunday, by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Tracing Unit members in Springs.
According to EMPD Superintedent Wilfred Kgasago, the bakkie spotted with eight occupants who were acting suspicious, was stopped at the intersection of Welgedacht and Enstra roads at around 1:30pm.
He says the metro police searched the vehicle and discovered two 9mm pistols and three revolvers.
“All the handguns were fully loaded and 28 live rounds were also found in the vehicle, as well as seven forehead-torches and six cellphones, which were confiscated from the suspects,” adds Supt Kgasago.
“They claim they were en route to a mine in the area,” he concludes.
A case was opened at the Springs Police Station and an in-depth investigation is underway.
These suspects are expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court soon to face charges of possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition.
On Monday this week, a further eight men, believed to be illegal miners, were arrested on Welgedacht Road.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Tracing Unit arrested the eight men who were travelling in an Isuzu Double Cab bakkie at around 6:40am and confiscated an unlicensed shotgun with the butt sawn off.
Supt Kgasago, the men are suspected to be illegal miners.
“They were wearing clothing and footwear used for mining and were also equipped with forehead torches.”.
Although the suspects were charged only with possession of an unlicensed firearm, investigations will be conducted to see if the group can be linked to the illegal mining happening in Springs at the moment.
“Surprisingly, the same number of suspects were arrested last week where five unlicensed firearms were confiscated. They were also using the very same vehicle,” says Supt Kgasago.
He believes the reason the suspects were armed in both cases is because there might be several groups competing for the underground minerals and there could be rivalry and danger down there for these groups.
The case was registered at the Springs Police Station and will be investigated.
The 16 suspects, who range between 19 and 30 years old, are expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court this week.
