On Monday, the members of the Hawks confiscated hundreds of thousands of rands, as well as a weapon and cars during an operation which led to the arrest of three suspects aged between 32 and 50.

Hawks provincial spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, says the trio was busted for illegal mining, dealing in gold and for money laundering, among others.

She says the arrest and seizure of R760 000 follow after a year-long investigation into these dealings in the area.

The suspects are set to appear at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today.

In 2017, illegal miners in Khuma made headlines following a spree of shootings in the area, which had residents concerned and fearing for their lives.

Rikhotso adds that more arrests cannot be ruled out.

"Seven houses were simultaneously stormed on Monday morning by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, assisted by members of the Tactical Response Team, the North West Detectives, the Kenneth Kaunda District Illegal Mining team and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC)," she further adds.

During the operation, R760 000 cash was seized along with a firearm, two Mercedes Benz sedans, a Toyota double cab, Isuzu bakkie, mercury and gold refining paraphernalia.

OFM News