Illegal mining in the Houtpoort farm area, two Mozambicans arrested

Illegal mining in the Houtpoort farm area, two Mozambicans arrested
Illegal mining in the Houtpoort farm area, two Mozambicans arrested. Photo: SAPS

On January 10, 2017 at around 11h00, Sector Commanders, Warrant Officer Lukas Wolmarans, Warrant Officer Frank Mnqosini, Sergeant Vusumuzi Zondo, Rural Safety Co-ordinator Warrant Officer Jacques Bierman and Second Hand Goods Co-ordinator Constable Tshepo Mthandana, were conducting farm visits and monitoring old mining holes when they spotted illegal miners.

When police approached the mining hole, 8 of the suspects ran into the bushes. Police managed to arrest 2 Mozambican male nationals aged 34 and 49 years old.

It was detected during interviews that the arrested suspects are coming from Daggafontein in Springs and that they were in the country illegally.

Police seized six 32kg oxygen cylinders, two 10kg gas cylinders, two waterpump generators, eight spades, a hacksaw, a pick, a hammer and two Oxalic acid cylinders.

The arrested suspects will appear before Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service