Illegal mining equipment and explosives recovered, suspects arrested

ROODEPOORT – Operational teams proceeded to an identified illegal mining hotspot in Creswell Park. Upon arrival, illegal miners immediately fled on foot jumping into deep holes that they had dug. While searching the surrounding area one female, a Zimbabwean national was found hiding in the bushes with explosives in her possession.

The operational team continued with the search and one male, a Lesotho national who had fled to a nearby house was arrested as he was also found in possession of explosives. The SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit was summoned to the scene and the explosives were collected.

The duo was arrested and detained at Roodepoort SAPS for possession of explosives and Contravention of the Immigration Act (Ilegal Immigrant). Equipment such as phendukas and sand used by illegal miners were seized and booked in at the police station.