Pretoria – The Hawks have arrested six men for corruption, illegal dealing in precious metals, possession of precious metals and theft.
The six suspects, aged between 24 and 35 years, were arrested on Thursday, at Kusasalethu gold mine in Carletonville.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said they received a tipoff of the activities of the illegal miners known as Zama Zamas.
“The illegal miners are alleged to have been underground since November 2016. They were nabbed as they tried to make their way out of the mine just before midnight.”
Rikhotso said along with the illegal miners, a security guard working at the mine was arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from the Zama Zamas.
In exchange, the security officer allegedly promised to keep quiet about the illegal activities taking place underground and further promised to offer protection to the illegal miners.
The security officer was found with a substantial amount of money in his possession. The money is believed to have been paid by the suspects.
“Since the beginning of the investigation into the illegal mining activities at Kusasalethu Gold mine in April 2017 to date, Gold bearing material to the value of R150 400 has been seized and a total amount of R73 000,” said Rikhotso.
All suspects are going to appear at the Carletonville Magistrate Court today.
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