Hawks arrest 20 illegal miners in North West, seize explosives
Twenty illegal miners have been arrested in Northwest province following a multi-disciplinary operation at a mine shaft in Stilfontein.
The suspects were arrested Monday in a joint operation between various law enforcement agencies.
Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale says the operation follows weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities of the suspects.
The operation seized 15 AK47s, six 6 hunting rifles,2 shotguns, and 1 R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money.
"The operation is ongoing, and we cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests and seizures," says Mogale.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Stilfontein Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
"They will be facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery to wit gold, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition and contravention of the immigration act," Mogale says.
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