OFM reports that on Thursday, North West police arrested six people, including a woman, in connection with alleged illegal mining activity in Khuma, located outside the mining town of Stilfontein.  

A police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, said the suspects, who are between the ages of 24 and 42, were found in possession of gold dust as well as mining equipment with an estimated value of over R1-million.   According to Mokgwabone, police received a tip-off regarding alleged illegal mining activity at a house in Khuma.  Five arrests were made at that house and also at a neighbouring house.  All six suspects – including one arrested in Potchefstroom – will appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.  They will each be facing the following charges: illegal mining, illegal refining of gold, illegal possession of gold-bearing material, illegal possession of suspected stolen goods and illegal possession of explosives.”  Mokgwabone indicated that they did not know if the suspects were part of a syndicate in the area, but the matter had been referred to the Hawks.

• Read the full original of Olebogeng Motse’s report on this story at OFM

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