Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Free State

Welkom - Intelligence driven information was operationalised by members of Public Order Policing and Tactical Response Team on 20 June 2024 at about 14:00 in conjunction with a manager of the Department of Mineral Resources whom their mandate is to inspect the mining environment. The Samplers of gold bearing material, dump truck operators, mechanics and excavator operators who were out at the farm were asked to provide legal documents to mine in the area, they could not provide the required documentation to mine legally. Thus the operation of these experts was declared illegal.

SAPS members managed to arrest two dump truck operators, three mechanics, one excavator operator and four samplers of gold bearing material for mining illegally and possession of 26 bags of gold bearing material found inside a white bakkie.

Excavators, dump trucks and three bakkies were seized.

On the same farm of Vaalbank, a 68-year-old shepherd was arrested for possession of gold bearing material. The suspects will appear on the 24 June 2024 in Welkom Magistrate Court.

Ends

Enquiries:
Captain Stephen Thakeng
0795284811

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