Thirty six of the suspects were apprehended for being in possession of gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment, and illegal mining, while two suspects were nabbed for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa.
ALSO READ: More than 550 arrested in Mpumalanga over the weekend
Some of those arrested are foreign nationals and were not in possession of valid documents to be in South Africa.
ALSO READ: Criminal syndicates targeting municipal infrastructure remain challenge for City of Mbombela
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe says police also confiscated ten head torches, one steel ball, six 12,5kg bags containing gold-bearing material, one pick, two hammers, three iron rods, one chisel, three phendukas, one knife, one cell phone and other equipment believed to have been used by suspects for illegal mining.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest periodical court soon. They are facing charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment, as well as contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa.
ALSO READ: Police arrest 61 during crackdown on gender violence and femicide perpetrators
Police are working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
