Picture: Some of equipment seized by the police during raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 September 2024- A police officer and a civilian aged 35 and 37, were arrested in a smelter house in Extension 1, Khuma Township, near Stilfontein on 27 September 2024. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the police allegedly pounced on unsuspecting suspects and found them in the process of allegedly refining gold bearing material. Myburgh said the duo were immediately arrested.
“Upon further investigation, it was realized that one of the suspects is a local police officer. They were charged for conspiracy to commit an offence, manufacturing of illegal gold without a permit and possession of unwrought gold bearing material.
“The police constable was also charged for defeating the ends of justice. Both suspects will appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2024,” she said.
Myburgh further said during the bust, the police allegedly seized illegal mining equipment such as an oxygen bottle, LPG Gas bottle, a scale and suspected gold bearing material.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining activities. Furthermore, Kwena said this arrest will send a strong message that police officers involved in criminal activities will be held accountable.
The Guardian 