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In an ongoing effort to curtail illegal mining in Gauteng Province, the Hawks arrested a total of forty-six (46) suspects and one fatally wounded in Westrand.The suspects include foreign nationals from neighbouring countries and their status in the country is now a subject of an ongoing investigation.
The search and seizure operation which was attended by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, MP, accompanied by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, Hawks Gauteng Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa and District Commander of West Rand, Major General Kekana, was carried out simultaneously on eight (8) premises in Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase said furthermore, seven hundred (700) tons of gold-bearing material surpassing R2.5 million was found in five (5) of the illegal plants uncovered and twenty (20) cell phones were seized for further investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face the charges that include contravention of Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.
