A 57-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on today following his arrest on 30 May 2020, in connection with illegal mining in the Rustenburg area.
Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation assisted by members of Rustenburg Flying Squad, Department of Mineral Resources and the South Africa National Defence Force arrested the suspect on charges of illegal mining and further charges cannot be ruled out.
The joint multidisciplinary team conducted unannounced disruptive operations in several locations in Rustenburg. Upon arrival at one of the sites, the suspects spotted the police and fled the scene. One suspect was apprehended.
A number of trucks loaded with 170 tons of chrome, estimated to be worth approximately R2.6 million, were seized for further investigation. Investigations are still continuing.
