10 Illegal immigrants arrested for illegal mining at Poortjie Mine, Heidelberg.

The Heidelberg SAPS together with the Sedibeng District Team, conducted crime prevention duties and related illegal mining activities, on Friday. The operation proceeded to the closed Poortjie Mine in Heidelberg. Police spokesperson, Sgt Shaan Motsapi says, illegal miners were caught in the act as the police arrived and the suspects started running in different directions as soon as they became aware of the police. According to Motsapi, the police managed to arrest ten suspects and different types of tools were confiscated and seized. The Sedibeng District deputy Commissioner, Brigadier AM Nkhwashu welcomed the arrests and applauded the station Commander and his team. He further indicated that the suspects will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs, as they are all suspected to be undocumented foreign nationals. Motsapi says all ten suspects will soon appear at the Heidelberg Magistrate's Court facing charges of Illegal immigration and illegal mining.