Picture: The alleged illegal miners arrested/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects who were arrested for unlawful possession of gold-bearing material and processing machinery, are set to do bail applications at Brits Magistrate’s Court on 4 December 2023.
Amarashe Mahlanga (35) and Alista Mahlanga (23) were arrested by the Brits Crime Intelligence and the Trio Task Team who descended on unsuspecting illegal miners in an abandoned building at Letlhakaneng and Letlhabile village, outside Brits on 29 November 2023 at around 10am.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the accused persons were allegedly found busy washing soil containing gold-bearing material.
“The police proceeded to their home, which was close by and pieces of gold were allegedly found in their rooms,” she said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the collaborative nature of the operation and thanked all role players involved. Kwena further issued a stern warning to illegal miners about their criminal activities and added that mining is the highest contributor to the economy, making it a priority and worth protecting.
The Guardian 