By Kaya 959 Reporter
Six suspected illegal miners, also known as ‘zama zamas’, were arrested in dawn sting operations in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale says the operations form part of ongoing efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
Mogale says the suspects were nabbed in an intelligence-driven operation dubbed ‘Ginger’. The team, which includes various units, embarked on a raid that saw six suspects arrested and eight premises being searched.
The raids took place simultaneously in Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Mogale says the operation is a culmination of investigations and evidence gathered following an armed robbery at a gold mine in Stilfontein in 2019.
Suspects made off with large quantities of gold.
“The Serious Organised Crime team worked tirelessly in identifying the suspects, tracing the gold to the refinery where it is reported to be legitimised. The quantum value involved is approximately R1 billion,” Mogale says.
Eight premises were searched where four vehicles, which were bought in cash, were confiscated. The suspects will be appearing in court soon. They will be answering to charges relating to the Contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, theft, fraud, possession and illegal dealing in precious metals.
On Monday, 85 alleged illegal miners abandoned their bail application in the Orkney Magistrates Court.
According to the NPA the matter was postponed to next month pending further investigation.
NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says the mens’ status was verified and they were all in SA without legal documents.
He adds that the men chose not to apply for bail and have terminated their Legal Aid representation.
The men face charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, conspiracy to commit an offence, and theft. They were nabbed last month following a shoot-out at a mine shaft in Orkney.
