Police arrested four people at an unauthorized gold processing operation in Booysens on Tuesday after officers seized materials worth 1 million rand. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department worked with the Hawks investigative unit and private security firms to shut down the facility that held a valid registration but allegedly refined stolen ore from illegal miners. Three suspected miners and one manager face charges related to violations of precious metals regulations after authorities found processed gold and raw materials at the industrial site.
The suspects attempted to pay officials 20,000 rand to secure their release and were subsequently charged with additional bribery. Acting Police Chief Eldred Fortein said law enforcement targets the complete supply network supporting unlawful mining operations that cost South Africa's industry more than 20 billion rand annually. Officers confiscated bags of gold-bearing ore and refined products before closing the refinery pending investigation. Authorities reported over 6,000 arrests connected to illegal mining activities across the country this year.
The suspects attempted to pay officials 20,000 rand to secure their release and were subsequently charged with additional bribery. Acting Police Chief Eldred Fortein said law enforcement targets the complete supply network supporting unlawful mining operations that cost South Africa's industry more than 20 billion rand annually. Officers confiscated bags of gold-bearing ore and refined products before closing the refinery pending investigation. Authorities reported over 6,000 arrests connected to illegal mining activities across the country this year.
