Limpopo police nab 4 suspects following discovery of illegal gold processing laboratory
Officers seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of minerals including containers with carbon ashes, gas bottles, sulfuric acid and oxygen cylinders.
Limpopo police have discovered what they believe to be an illegal laboratory used for gold processing in the Mopani District. Picture: @SAPoliceService/X.
JOHANNESBURG - Limpopo police have discovered what they believe to be an illegal laboratory used for gold processing in the Mopani District.
Various law enforcement agencies were carrying out Vala Umgodi operations when they came upon the laboratory in a compound farm near Tarentaalrand.
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Officers seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of minerals including containers with carbon ashes, gas bottles, sulfuric acid and oxygen cylinders.
Four suspects aged between 35 and 46 were arrested and face charges of illegal processing of gold-bearing materials and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
"Furthermore, two vehicles a red Haval and white Mercedes Benz both with Gauteng registrations believed to be belonging to the two suspected kingpins were seized. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the successful operation, praising the investigation efforts and the dedication of the task team" said Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba.