Four suspects were arrested during a joint operation targeting illegal mining in Cleveland, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 22 September.

According to Corporal Sindi Ntayingane of the Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng Province Operational Communications Office, the operation was conducted by Solomon Mahlangu Regiment’s Bravo and Charlie Companies, deployed under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng Province, together with the South African Police Service.

The suspects were arrested for various offences, including illegal mining, possession of illegal mining equipment, and possession of explosives and contravention of the Immigration Act.

During the operation, the following equipment and explosives were confiscated:

• Nine petrol generators
• 16 water pump generators
• Two Hawk saws
• 56 Phenduka tools
• One jackhammer
• 55 still bores
• Eight hammers
• Four chisels
• 11 drill bits
• One drill
• One spade
• Two 9kg gas cylinders
• Three gas pipes
• One chain
• Six motors
• 36 explosive gels
• 74 green and orange explosives
• Alcohol

According to Ntayingane, the SANDF and SAPS remain committed to joint operations aimed at combating crime and disrupting illegal mining activities.

Source: https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za/four-arrested-explosives-confiscated-in-cleveland-illegal-mining/