Cape Town – Six alleged illegal miners were arrested when authorities conducted a raid at an illegal mining site near the N12 freeway in the Cloverdene area, Benoni.
More than 100 explosives and makeshift tools used for illegal mining were seized during the raid on Monday.
The raid was conducted by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) Bronberg precinct, the Equestrian Unit, Home Affairs immigration officials, Crystal Park police, the Task Force, the Explosives Unit, said EMPD in a statement.
The suspected illegal miners tried to evade law enforcement officers but were quickly detained.
“As Law Enforcers landed, illegal miners ran into different directions and the chase ensued. Six male suspects between the ages of 19 and 35 were apprehended and the illegal mining site was searched,” read the statement.
During the raid, officers seized 125 explosives and tools used for illegal mining.
A nearby illegal shebeen was also raided and 126 bottles of liquor were confiscated.
“The suspects were detained at the Crystal Park police station, charged with illegal mining and possession of explosives, and will appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon,” said the statement.
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Picture: Facebook/ Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
