NORTH WEST – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit together with the members of SAPS Boitekong, Flying Squad, Bafokeng Public Order Policing and Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre arrested eleven suspects aged between 19 and 39, during a disruptive operation on 15 October 2023 in Rustenburg.
The team was following up on information regarding illegal mining activities which were allegedly taking place at a house in Boitekong. Upon arrival, the house was searched and bags containing platinum material were found. Illegal mining equipment including compressors, gas bottles, cutting torches, hammers, iron-balls, cutting discs, a welding machine, a grinder and a generator were seized.
The owner of the house was arrested and charged with illegal possession of platinum, while the other ten suspects were arrested and charged for contravention of the Immigration Act. All suspects will make their first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on 17 October 2023.
Source: South Afric
an Police Service