Johannesburg – Five suspects arrested for illegal mining in the free state is expected to appear in court shortly.
The group was arrested during the Vala Umgodi operations last week in Welcome, Thabong and Allanridge.
Free State Police say that the suspects, between 24 and 48 years old, were found in possession of nearly 46 kilograms of golden -wearing material and a series of illegal mining equipment.
Read: fights a challenge of illegal mining, says EMPD
They are confronted with charges, including illegal possession of gold -bearing material, work without a permit and switch to the Immigration Act.
Spokesperson Thabo Covane of the provincial police explains: “The police have 19-Kilograms of oxygen cylinders, 9-kilogram gas bottles, green, red and brown connector pipes, cutting torches and spray boards, steel plates, steel drums, strainer and crusher pots and plates also seized.
Jabulile Mbatha
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