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News: Massive illegal mining plant discovered and drugs worth thousands of rands recovered during Operation O Kae Molao
2022/09/22

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng

 

PARKTOWN - A huge illegal mining plant was discovered and drugs worth more than R200 000-00 were recovered during Operation O Kae Molao in Springs on Thursday, 22 September 2022.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, led yet another successful Operation O Kae Molao where drugs worth thousands of rands and suspected stolen motor vehicles were recovered. A huge illegal mining plant was also discovered where 14 undocumented foreign nationals were found busy processing gold-bearing material with heavy-duty machinery.

The multidisciplinary operation started on Wednesday evening when the detectives went tracing the wanted suspects. More than 900 suspects who have been on the run after committing various crimes were found and put behind bars.

The second phase of the operation, on Thursday morning, started with the roadblock on the N12 Highway. During the roadblock, a car was stopped and upon searching it, mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R100 000-00 were recovered. The suspect, led the police to Primrose in Ekurhuleni, where more drugs worth more than R150 000 were recovered. Still at the roadblock, police recovered a car reported to be stolen and arrested more than twenty undocumented foreign nationals.

The multidisciplinary team proceeded to an industrial area in Springs where an illegal mining plant was discovered. Fourteen undocumented foreign nationals were arrested after they were found hard at work, processing gold-bearing material. Police seized heavy-duty equipment used for illegal mining and flattened the area.

More than five cars that are suspected to be stolen and hijacked were recovered in one of the panel beaters in Springs. 

Ends

Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo
071-608-5490

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