Police Minister Bheki Cele and his management at the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)  will be visiting the crime scene where 20 suspects were arrested, following a takedown operation at a mining shaft in Stilfontein. In their quest to clamp down illegal mining the Hawks supported by other law enforcement agencies raided the Stilfontein mine shaft in the North West yesterday.

MULTIPLE CHARGES

The arrest follows weeks of surveillance of alleged illegal mining activities in the area. According to the Hawks' Colonel Katlego Mogale the suspects were found and detained for being in possession of fifteen AK47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns and one R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives as well an undisclosed amount of money. "The suspects will be facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery to wit gold, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition and contravention of the Immigration Act," said Mogale. Mogale said the operation was ongoing and  they could not rule out the possibility of more arrests and seizures.
The National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation -  Lieutenanant General Godfrey Lebeya has applauded the excellent arrests and seizures by the multi-disciplinary team and warned that this is only just the beginning.

KINGPINS TO FACE THE MUSIC

Meanwhile the alleged zama zama kingpins who are awaiting bail application will be appearing in court on the 19th. They were arrested last Tuesday in Khutsong, Carltonville in an operation by the Hawks and SAPS. Fourteen  of their high powered vehicles and a truck were seized. They are charged with  four counts of fraud, possession of ammunition, possession of drugs, and the contravention of the Precious Metals Act. Their bail application was delayed due to a bscklong that is experienced by the court. The court said it has to deal with pending bail applications before attending to the seven accused.

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