Police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng explains the 71 suspects, who hail from Lesotho, were arrested this Monday. They face charges of trespassing, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.

Thakeng says Welkom Public Order Police effected the arrests after the men tried to attack police officers with dangerous weapons such as spades and also resisted arrest.

Police, however, quickly managed to tactically maneuver around the dam and successfully managed to apprehend the suspects.

Thakeng says the police used smoke and stun grenades in a bid to force miners to come out but instead this led to the anger of the miners who he says they became violent.

“The miners encircled the boat used by police officers and attacked them with stones, iron plates and also attempted to sink the boat using spades,” he adds. “Members fired reduced rubber rounds as they were under attack and managed to get out of the encirclement”. 

“Two police members sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident,” Thakeng concluded.

He confirmed the suspects will appear in court on Monday.

OFM News