On 05 July 2017, six men aged between 24 and 35 years were arrested by the Hawks for Corruption, Illegal dealing in precious metals, possession of precious metals (Gold) and Theft.
The Hawks received a tip-off about alleged illegal activities taking place underground at Kusasalethu Gold mine in Randfontein.
The illegal miners are alleged to have been underground since November 2016. They were nabbed as they tried to make their way out of the mine just before midnight.
Along with the Illegal miners, a security guard working at the mine was arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from the Zama Zamas.
In exchange, he allegedly promised to keep mum about the illegal activities taking place underground and further promised to offer protection to the illegal miners. The security guard was found with a substantial amount of money believed to have paid by the suspects.
Since the beginning of the investigation into the illegal mining activities at Kusasalethu Gold mine in April 2017 to date, Gold bearing material to the value of R150 400 has been seized and a total amount of R73 000 in cash.
All suspects are going to appear on Thursday at the Carletonville Magistrate Court.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks – Major General Linda Mbana lauded the great work by the investigative team.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
