News24 reports that a joint North West law enforcement operation ended with the arrest of 30 suspected illegal miners at the Scott Shaft in Stilfontein.

The Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Tactical Operations Management Section, Local Criminal Record Centre, the Explosives Unit and Illegal Mining Task Team, among others, pounced on the shaft on Friday morning. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the accused were between 18 and 40 years old. Firearms, ammunition, unwrought precious metals, food items, medicine and gold-refining paraphernalia were seized by the police. One suspect was allegedly shot and injured during a shootout with police and was hospitalised. An inquest docket is being investigated after a suspect who was found hanging from a shaft died. The group will appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate's Court on Monday. The Hawks' provincial head, Major-General Patrick Mbotho, vowed to intensify efforts against illegal mining.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at News24
• Lees ook, Een dood, een gewond, 30 vas ná klopjag op mynskag, by Maroela Media

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