Picture: The alleged illegal miners nabbed in Stilfontein/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Six men aged 37 and 39 have been arrested for being in possession of gold bearing material in Stilfontein on 25 July 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said five out of six men are facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
“The suspects were apprehended on 25 July 2023 after the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team followed up on information received. The suspects were ultimately found and arrested at an abandoned workshop next to a scrapyard in possession of gold bearing material.
“The fight against illicit mining gained success. All suspects have been remanded in custody and are expected to re-appear in court on 3 August 2023,” said Botma.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the illicit mining team members for their swift response, which led to the arrest. Kwena strongly warned that illicit economic activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will be dealt with harshly.
The Guardian 