Authorities in the Free State are intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining. As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, police recently seized equipment used for illegal mining at Beatrix Mine Shaft 1 near Theunissen.

During surveillance operations conducted on Friday, officers patrolled the area on foot and by vehicle while also using drone technology to monitor activities. They discovered essential mining tools hidden near an air ventilation shaft close to the R30. The seized items included a kilometre-long rope, a five-metre scaffolding plank, a five-metre steel pole, a six-metre step ladder, a red safety pack, and a harness.

Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane stated that all recovered equipment was documented and logged into the evidence management system at Theunissen Police Station. The evidence will be used in ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

This operation follows a series of successful crackdowns on illegal mining syndicates in the province. Earlier this year, police intercepted an Iveco midibus transporting prepackaged food parcels intended for illegal miners. The food, which included canned goods, fizzy drinks, and instant porridge, was meant to be dropped down a ventilation shaft at Beatrix Mine. The suspect transporting the supplies was arrested at the scene.

In another incident, a 22-year-old was apprehended at Eland Old Mine in possession of 24.18 kilograms of gold-bearing material, a pickaxe, and a shovel.

A separate operation at Western Holdings 05 Mine led to the arrest of a 27-year-old who was caught refining gold-bearing material using a makeshift slope table, a method commonly used by illegal miners to process extracted gold.

Authorities remain committed to dismantling illegal mining networks and preventing further exploitation of mineral resources.