Picture: The alleged illegal miners arrested in Stilfontein/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Eighteen alleged illegal miners aged between 18 and 43 were arrested by the Hawks at the Margaret shaft in Stilfontein on 27 September 2023. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining continue to bear fruit.
Mathebula further said the arrests were effected during a disruptive operation, which comprised the Klerksdorp Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Klerksdorp District Illicit Mining Task Team, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Provincial Explosives Unit and Harmony Gold.
He added that, items seized during the operation include a 9mm pistol, 14 AK47 live ammunition, explosives, and other mining paraphernalia.
“All suspects facing charges of illegal mining, will appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2023,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcomed the arrests and lauded the team’s relentless efforts in fighting the scourge of illegal mining in the province.
The Guardian 