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Gauteng police have successfully conducted an operation at the Kloof Gold Mine Hostel in Westonaria, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, aged 32 and 35.
During this operation, law enforcement officials recovered four unlicensed firearms along with ammunition, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms possession in the area.
According to police reports, on Wednesday, at around 16:00, Sibanye Protection Services alerted the South African Police Service Gauteng Public Order Policing unit and the South African National Defence Force about a group of armed illegal miners.
“During the operation, two suspects were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and an R5 rifle, while two additional AK-47 rifles were found abandoned at the scene.
“The following items were recovered during the operation: three AK-47 rifles, one R5 rifle, six magazines, 246 live rounds of ammunition and two Lesotho passports,” said SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.
Partnering to combat illegal activities at mines
Cpt. Sibeko has confirmed that two individuals, who are nationals of Lesotho, are facing legal charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Both suspects are scheduled to make their appearance at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the case are actively continuing.
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She added, “The recovery of these firearms and ammunition forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and security partners to combat illegal mining and curb the proliferation of illegal firearms in Gauteng.”
