Illegal Gold Mining Operation Busted in Oberholzer Backyard

Police in Oberholzer, part of the Merafong City Local Municipality, have uncovered a fully operational illegal gold mining facility hidden in a suburban backyard. The raid, conducted on September 10, has exposed both criminal activity and serious questions about municipal oversight.

Police Raid Exposes Backyard Mining Setup

• Acting on a tip-off, Lieutenant-Colonel Ockie Brits of Khutsong Police Station led a raid at a Railway Street house around 8:00 PM.

• Officers discovered a makeshift gold processing plant in the yard.

• The suspects had diverted the home’s sewerage system, storing sewage water in a tank for use in their operations.

• The property was illegally connected, with the electricity meter removed to steal municipal power.

“Neighbours have been complaining about water leaks at the house for some time,” Brits said.

Arrests and Court Appearance

• Two suspects, a female homeowner and her male accomplice, were arrested on-site.

• Carletonville detectives arrested two more suspects days later in Khutsong.

• One suspect died after drinking poison shortly after arrest.

• The remaining three appeared before the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal mining, theft of utilities, and damage to municipal infrastructure.

Oversight Failures Raise Questions

The case has sparked criticism of the Merafong City Local Municipality. Despite obvious signswater leaks, sewage diversion, and a missing electricity meterofficials failed to detect the operation.

Questions have been sent to municipal communications manager Temba Fezani. At the time of publishing, no response had been received.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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