Tebogo Msimanga |
A case against four men who were arrested for illegal mining and illegal possession of gold bearing material was postponed to 11 December 2020.They appeared at Barberton Magistrate court on Friday.
The four suspects were nabbed during and intelligence driven disruptive operation by members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga together with National Intervention Unit in Barberton on Wednesday.
Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said Hawks investigations revealed that a group of illegal zama-zama’s, both local and foreign nationals, allegedly trespassed and an old shaft. “On Wednesday the team descended upon the illegal miners processing premises where the four suspects were arrested whilst others fled to the nearest mountain.”
The joint team seized gas cylinders, hammer, head torches, generators and backpacks bags, detonators cords and blasting gel total estimated at R500 000.
Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcomed the arrest and stressed that illegal mining will not be tolerated in Mpumalanga.
