Police arrest men believed to be kingpins behind illegal mining after trying to bribe police for the release of arrested Zama-Zamas
PARKTOWN – Police have arrested two suspects who are believed to be behind the illegal mining and supporting illegal miners with equipment in Gauteng. These suspects allegedly offered the police thousands of rands for the release of suspects arrested for illegal mining in Roodepoort yesterday.
They are expected to appear at Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court tomorrow facing charges of bribery among other crimes.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, General Elias Mawela, has commended the police for the arrest of the duo. “We have been hunting for the people that are leading this scourge of illegal mining in our province. I believe the arrests of these suspects will help us trace others who are still at large ” said Provincial Commissioner.
More than sixty (60) illegal miners were arrested during Operation O Kae Molao that was conducted in various areas of Gauteng yesterday. Police also confiscated equipment used for illegal mining and liquor consumed on the sites.
Furthermore, as part of Operation O Kae Molao, police detectives went full force to trace the suspects that have been on the run after committing serious and violent crimes in the province. A total of five hundred and fifty-six (556) suspects were arrested for crime ranging from rape, armed robbery, house robbery, business robbery, attempted murder, assault, car hijacking and sexual assault.
Arrested suspects will appear at different magistrates courts from today.
Police arrest men believed to be kingpins behind illegal mining after trying to bribe police for the release of arrested Zama-Zamas https://t.co/YGWPFpWnV1#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/yEeOOgtFjo
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 17, 2020
