85 arrested for illegal mining in Gauteng, including suspected kingpin
Eighty-five suspected illegal miners have been arrested in the West Rand, including a suspected kingpin.
The men were arrested in various parts of the West Rand on Saturday following the launch of the police’s festive season anti-crime campaign.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said officers received information about a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal.
"Upon searching the premises, police from Crime Intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed firearms, a R5 rifle and AK47 rifle, and dagga. A 36-year-old, undocumented foreign national was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in dagga.”
On the same day, 85 suspects were arrested during an illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Elias Mawela joined the operation.
Masondo said the suspects were arrested for offences that included possession of suspected stolen goods and undocumented foreign nationals.
The police seized generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners.
Another 56 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.
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