Durban - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal is continuing with its search for suspects behind an illegal mining operation following the recovery of explosives in Phongolo on Thursday.
According to provincial police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a multi-disciplinary operation had been conducted at Kortnek Shaft in Phongolo, in the far north of KZN, since Tuesday.
She said the police were dispatched to the scene and investigated upon information received.
“The team was following up information about a group of people who are conducting illegal gold mining in the area.
“During the operation the team seized equipment used for crushing material, explosives, cutting torches, gas cylinders, various other mining tools as well as eight cellphones,” said Ngcobo.
She said investigations were continuing into who were behind the illegal mining operation. The suspects fled the scene.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE