JOHANNESBURG - The total number of illegal miners arrested in Westonaria has risen to over 200.
Among those arrested is the owner of the property, who is accused of harbouring the illegal miners.
This was confirmed by Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Kekana following a major crackdown operation at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on Tuesday.
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Police, the South African National Defence Force, and Sibanye Protection Services stormed the site, targeting illegal operations.
Authorities say it's part of their ongoing war on illegal mining and organised crime.
According to Kekana, during the operation, 120 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were discovered.
Authorities are continuing with investigations as well as looking into the owner of the property who housed the alleged illegal miners.
“They were cooking for them. They were giving them a place to stay while they are doing illegal activities on the site.”