BRITS – HARTBEESPOORT – The ten suspects that were arrested during the “Vala Umgodi” operation in Hartbeespoort remanded in custody until Tuesday, 18 and Thursday, 20 June, for interpreters respectively.
The accused appeared before the Brits Magistrates on Tuesday, 11 June, on charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
“The suspects were arrested during the operation conducted between Sunday, 9 and Monday, 10 June,” says Lt Col Amanda Funani, SAPS North West spokesperson. “The suspects included Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals. The police seized illegal mining equipment that included a phenduka machine (a hand driven cylinder to which iron balls and water are added inside the perforated phenduka stand. After spinning, the water is sifted into plastic buckets until liquid mercury is visible when being strained), an electrical motor, chains and hammers. (Photos – SAPS)
