Picture: Some of machinery confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects aged 20 and 38 were arrested for illicit mining and possession of unwrought precious metals by the Hartbeespoort Dam K9 and Visible Policing police on Thursday.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said the police were conducting routine patrols around Ten Rooms Informal Settlement, when they noticed a group of men running away from one of the houses.
“The police proceeded to the house and found bags containing soil, three Phenduka machines and a generator. The further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects at a plot in the area.
“During the arrest, the police seized two phenduka machines, fuel containers and a jack hammer. The suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of illicit mining and possession of unwrought precious metals,” she said.
Botma said moreover, the suspects who are both Mozambican nationals, are likely to face charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. She further said investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) into the matter is underway.
The Guardian 