The police in North West have apprehended a man and his accomplice for allegedly allowing zama zamas to access a local mine by digging a hole in his bedroom floor.

CHARGES

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the 65-year-old faces charges for illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen goods.

Funani, said the man was arrested on Thursday morning at the Nkandla informal settlement near Khuseleka 1 mine by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team and Rustenburg Public Safety.

"The team received a tip-off and made the arrests. The homeowner, who lives with his family at the house is believed to have either used the hole in the room's floor or allowed others to use it, as an entrance to the nearby mine shaft," Funani said.

LIKE A MOVIE

Funani explained that when officers arrived at the scene, a group of men entered the home and disappeared down the man-made hole in the bedroom.

"With the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house. A search for other suspects is continuing.Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities," said Funani.