37 illegal miners arrested in Joburg

File photo: AFP

File photo: AFP

Published Jan 8, 2014

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Johannesburg - Thirty-seven of 40 miners rescued at an illegal mine in Florida, on the West Rand, have been arrested, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

“So far, about 40 miners have been rescued. Two of them were injured and one was found dead, so 37 have been arrested,” said Colonel Noxolo Kweza.

They were charged with trespassing, illegally being in possession of precious metals, and entering the country without proper documentation.

“They will appear in court between today (Wednesday) and tomorrow,” she said.

The death of the one miner was being investigated, with the miners discovered following a tip-off.

“Florida (SA Police Service) responded to a call from a local resident about a group (of people) with dangerous weapons. We arrested a 33-year-old man who was found at the scene,” Kweza said on Tuesday.

The man indicated to the police that he had been working underground. -Sapa

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