Five suspects arrested for illegal mining in the Free State to appear in court

JOHANNESBURG - Five suspects arrested for illegal mining in the Free State are expected to appear in court soon.

The group was apprehended during last week’s Vala Umgodi operations in Welkom, Thabong, and Allanridge.

Free State police say the suspects, aged between 24 and 48, were found in possession of nearly 46 kilograms of gold-bearing material and a range of illegal mining equipment.

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They face charges including illegal possession of gold-bearing material, operating without a permit, and contravening the Immigration Act.

Provincial police spokesperson Thabo Covane explains: "The police confiscated 19-kilogram oxygen cylinders, 9-kilogram gas bottles, green, red and brown connector pipes, cutting torches and nozzles, steel plates, a galvanised steel drum, strainers, and crusher pots. Members also seized 45.76 kilograms of gold-bearing materials.”