By Phenyo Selinda
In a targeted operation to combat illegal mining activities in the Free State, law enforcement agencies made significant breakthroughs following a raid on the notorious G-Hostel in Thabong. The operation, conducted on Monday, 23 September 2024, resulted in the arrest of two suspects caught in the process of gold washing. This coordinated effort by police, in partnership with specialized units, was part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining operations that have plagued the region.
A Successful Raid at G-Hostel
According to Free State police spokesperson, Lt Col Thabo Covane, the raid on G-Hostel was meticulously planned and executed as part of a broader initiative aimed at tackling illicit mining in the Free State province. The operation, carried out by a team of both proactive and combat operators, achieved significant success as the suspects, aged 47 and 49, were apprehended while actively engaging in the gold washing process.
During the raid, police seized gold-bearing material along with gold processing equipment, which included lephenduka, a makeshift gold separator used in illegal mining operations. The seized materials are often used to refine and purify gold, making them integral to the illicit gold trade that has taken root in parts of South Africa, particularly the Free State province.
The suspects have been charged with the unlawful possession of gold-bearing material and processing equipment. A case docket has been opened at the Thabong Police Station, where the suspects are currently being held pending their court appearance.
Airwing Drone Pilots Play a Vital Role
The success of the operation was not limited to the ground units involved. As part of the coordinated effort, the Airwing drone unit played a critical role in patrolling the Beatrix Mining area, an area known for illicit mining activities. While on patrol, the drone unit spotted suspicious movements near shaft 4, involving a white Toyota C-HR sedan.
A chase ensued as the vehicle attempted to flee the scene, but police managed to close in on the vehicle and arrest the 19-year-old male driver. While the drone footage indicated that three individuals were in the vehicle at the time it was spotted, only the driver was apprehended, with the other two occupants fleeing the scene during the pursuit.
Further investigation led the team to several addresses in the area, culminating in additional arrests.
Arrests in Riebeckstad
The police operation extended to a property on Dantel Street in Riebeckstad near Welkom, where officers conducted a search of a backroom occupied by three males. Upon searching the premises, officers discovered a 9mm pistol that had been disassembled and hidden in a courier bag beneath a sofa where two of the suspects were seated.
The lessee of the property denied any knowledge of the illegal firearm, but all three males, aged 17, 18, and 22, were immediately arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm. The suspects were taken into custody and will be facing charges related to illegal firearms possession.
In addition to the arrests made in Riebeckstad, the 19-year-old driver of the Toyota C-HR, who was apprehended earlier, was charged with possession of gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment. All four suspects will soon appear in court to face the charges laid against them.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Illegal Mining in Free State
Illegal mining, often referred to as “zama-zama” operations, has become a major issue in South Africa, particularly in provinces like the Free State and Gauteng. These operations are typically carried out by undocumented migrants and local criminal syndicates, who engage in dangerous and illicit mining practices to extract valuable minerals, particularly gold. These activities not only pose a serious threat to the safety of miners and the surrounding communities but also contribute to a wider network of organized crime that includes human trafficking, illegal firearms trading, and environmental degradation.
The raid on G-Hostel is just one of several actions taken by law enforcement in recent months to combat the rise of illegal mining in the Free State. With the increasing use of technology, such as drone surveillance, police have been able to track and monitor illegal mining operations more effectively, leading to higher rates of arrests and the confiscation of illicit materials.
Free State Police spokesperson, Lt Col Thabo Covane, praised the efforts of the combined forces involved in the operation, stating:
“This operation is part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle the illegal mining networks that have taken root in the Free State. Through intelligence-led policing and advanced technology, we are making significant strides in curbing these criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Collaboration with Mining Companies
The police’s efforts have also been bolstered by partnerships with major mining companies operating in the Free State, who have been instrumental in providing information on illegal mining hotspots. Companies such as Harmony Gold and Sibanye-Stillwater have reported increased activity around disused shafts, which are frequently targeted by illegal miners.
These partnerships have allowed law enforcement agencies to focus their resources on key areas where illegal mining is most prevalent, ensuring that operations like the one conducted at G-Hostel are part of a sustained effort to eliminate the problem.
The Impact of Illegal Mining on South Africa
Illegal mining operations have far-reaching consequences, both for the economy and the environment. The South African economy loses billions of rands each year due to illegal mining, as unregulated operations extract valuable resources that are then sold on the black market. This not only undermines the legitimate mining sector but also deprives the government of tax revenue that could be reinvested in public services.
In addition to the economic impact, illegal mining poses a significant threat to the environment. These operations often involve the use of hazardous chemicals, such as mercury, which can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to long-term environmental damage. Moreover, the unsafe mining practices employed by illegal miners put their lives at risk, with frequent reports of fatal accidents in abandoned mine shafts.
The Role of the Courts
The suspects arrested during the raid at G-Hostel, along with those apprehended in Riebeckstad, will now face the legal system. It is expected that they will be charged with a range of offences, including the unlawful possession of gold-bearing materials, illegal mining activities, and the unlawful possession of firearms.
Lt Col Thabo Covane confirmed that all suspects would appear before the court soon. The prosecution is likely to take a tough stance on these cases, given the ongoing efforts by the South African government to clamp down on illegal mining and related criminal activities.
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