News / Africa
Illegal mining equipment confiscated
12 Jan 2016 at 12:57hrs | Views
ILLEGAL mining equipment worth thousands of rand has been confiscated by the cops after word from community members.
The huge quantity of mining equipment in the form of gas cylinders, drills, steel bars and generators was found at a closed mine shaft near Lindelani squatter camp in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
It is believed the equipment had been used at neighbouring abandoned mines in the area.
Ekurhuleni Metro cops and the police kick-started the joint operation on Friday after they were tipped off about the resumption of illegal mining activities in the area.
According to Chief superintendent Wilfred Kgasago of the Ekurhuleni Metro police, only one person has been arrested. "We are optimistic because one arrest will lead to more," said Kgasago.
Kgasago said the suspect has been charged with illegal mining. All the seized equipment was booked in at the Benoni cop shop.
The huge quantity of mining equipment in the form of gas cylinders, drills, steel bars and generators was found at a closed mine shaft near Lindelani squatter camp in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
It is believed the equipment had been used at neighbouring abandoned mines in the area.
According to Chief superintendent Wilfred Kgasago of the Ekurhuleni Metro police, only one person has been arrested. "We are optimistic because one arrest will lead to more," said Kgasago.
Kgasago said the suspect has been charged with illegal mining. All the seized equipment was booked in at the Benoni cop shop.
Source - Daily Sun
