Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - As part of combating illegal mining, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Illegal Mining Task Team assisted by the Explosive Unit, apprehended three suspects at the Shiva Mine Dam area last week. On arrival at the mine on March 25, numerous persons were observed busy with illegal mining activities. On seeing the police, they fled from the scene, but police managed to arrest three suspects, aged between 32 and 35 (two are Zimbabweans and one is from Mozambique).
“On the premises, police found a variety of explosives, including 20 capped fuses, 20 blasting cartridges and 120m of detonating cord. Furthermore, 13 generators, two water pumps and five mining drills were also confiscated,” said Col Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson.
Myburgh said the three were scheduled to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on March 27 on charges of unlawful possession of explosives, illegal mining and the contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Pa-trick Asaneng, applauded all members involved in the operation for their ongoing efforts that resulted in bringing the suspects to book.
The public is advised to report crime including through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.
