Rustenburg man arrested for using his bedroom as a mine tunnel
An elderly man and his accomplices are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 9 September 2024, for illegal mining after he allegedly allowed illegal miners to use his bedroom as an entrance to the Sibanye Stillwater shaft.
The man was arrested on Thursday morning, 5 September, by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team, and Rustenburg Public Safety at Nkandla informal settlement near the Sibanye -Stillwater Khuseleka 1 mine.
RUSTENBURG ELDERLY MAN ARRESTED ALONGSIDE ALLEGED ILLEGAL MINERS
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, said acting on a tip-off, the team arrested two suspects, aged 65 and 31, for illegal mining, tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.
It is alleged that the homeowner (65), who resides with his family, used and allowed a group of alleged illegal miners to utilize one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka mine shaft.
“Upon noticing the police, an unconfirmed number of men entered and disappeared into the man-made hole in the bedroom while the other two, including the owner of the house, were arrested.
“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,” she said.
North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO STRENGTHEN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.