A significant arrest took place in the small area of Doorn, near Welkom, when a 29-year-old Zimbabwean national was detained for being involved in illegal mining activities.
The authorities acted quickly after receiving a tip-off, leading to the discovery of gold-bearing materials and gold processing equipment.
Suspect Caught Melting Gold-Bearing Material
Members of Operation Vala uMgodi, the special task force handling the crackdown on illegal mining, arrived at a property in Cactus Street, following information about unlawful mining practices taking place at a house.
As the police approached, they found the suspect actively melting what appeared to be gold-bearing material in the backyard.
The team confiscated a total of 3.42 kilograms of the material along with several tools used for gold processing, including a burner pan, phenduka (a metal tool for gold processing), and a stand.
More Equipment Found Hidden Underground
The operation didn’t stop there. Upon further investigation, police discovered even more mining-related equipment, this time hidden underground.
Officers opened a manhole on the property that led to sewage pipes.
Inside, they found a gas cylinder, cutting torches, two 19 kg oxygen cylinders, a steel pot, and a stumper.
These findings reveal a worrying trend of illegal mining operations taking place in hidden, makeshift setups.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
The suspect, whose name hasn’t been released, is facing serious charges, including possession of gold-bearing material, illegal mining equipment, and violating the Immigration Act.
The case has been officially filed at the Welkom Police Station, and the suspect will soon appear in court to answer to these charges.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining Continues
This arrest is part of a larger ongoing effort to combat illegal mining across the Free State Province.
Police continue to work alongside private security companies in joint operations to dismantle these operations.
In a separate incident, authorities found explosive devices and mine contraband in an illegal miner’s sleeping area at Kopanong Mine.
Explosives experts, along with private security, assisted in safely recovering the items, which included detonators and food supplies such as powdered milk and rice.