The South African Police Services (SAPS) on Monday, arrested 15 suspected illegal miners, who were found in possession of tools suspected to be used for illegal mining and gold bearing dust in Roodepoort, Johannesburg West.
On Monday, Lietenent Colonel Mavela Masondo said the group were arrested in a police operation in Roodepoort.
“Police arrested 15 suspected illegal miners and recovered gold-bearing dust and tools suspected to be used for illegal mining. As police were conducting the operation, they spotted a suspicious BMW in Sol Plaaitjie, Roodepoort. Upon stopping and searching the BMW, police found what is suspected to be gold-bearing dust inside the vehicle. The two occupants, who are undocumented, were arrested,” he said.
Masondo said police arrested 13 undocumented foreign nationals suspected of being zama zama’s after they were found with tools and materials suspected to be used for illegal mining.
The multiple sting operations stem from the gang rape of eight women who were part of a film crew shooting a music video in Krugersdorp. Eighty-four suspects have since been arrested following the incident and 14 suspects were charged with rape and robbery.
Among the suspects charged with the gang rape of the eight women in Krugersdorp is a 15-year-old boy. Twenty-one of the 84 suspects arrested are minors and their cases have been transferred to the children’s court.
They face charges of contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, unlawful use of explosives and firearms and possible attempted murder.
Source: The Citizen, IOL, South African Labour News, image from IOL: SAPS