7 Arrested for Illegal Mining to Appear in Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday
By Mpho Moloi
The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested seven individuals who are set to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 24, 2024. This follows an intelligence-driven operation executed by SAPS members in collaboration with the Department of Mineral Resources.
Details of the Arrest
Captain Stephen Thakeng, the police spokesperson, revealed that, “intelligence-driven information was operationalised by members of Public Order Policing and Tactical Response Team on 20 June 2024 at about 14:00. The operation was conducted in conjunction with a manager from the Department of Mineral Resources, whose mandate is to inspect the mining environment.”
During the operation at a farm in Vaalbank, individuals including samplers of gold-bearing material, dump truck operators, mechanics, and excavator operators were asked to provide legal documentation for their mining activities. Upon failure to present the required documentation, their activities were declared illegal.
Seized Items and Arrested Individuals
According to Captain Thakeng, “SAPS members managed to arrest two dump truck operators, three mechanics, one excavator operator, and four samplers of gold-bearing material for mining illegally. Additionally, they confiscated 26 bags of gold-bearing material found inside a white bakkie.”
The authorities also seized various equipment used in the illegal operation, including excavators, dump trucks, and three bakkies.
Additional Arrests
Captain Thakeng added that on the same farm, a 68-year-old shepherd was apprehended for the possession of gold-bearing material. This reflects the extent of illegal mining activities plaguing the region.
Upcoming Court Appearance
All the arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 24, 2024. The court proceedings will likely shed more light on the extent of illegal mining activities and the individuals involved.
_______________________________________
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza