Hawks Uncover Huge Arms Cache In Stilfontein, 20 Suspects Arrested

South Africa’s elite crime busters – the Hawks – and other law enforcement agencies on Monday uncovered a huge arms cache in Stilfontein, the North West, where 20 suspects were arrested.

The early Monday morning raid at a mine shaft in Stilfontein resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects and the seizure of 15 AK47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns and one R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money.

The arrests were carried out by the North West Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation assisted by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Management Section, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Harmony Gold mine embarked.

Colonel Katlego Mogale said the operation follows weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities

“The operation is ongoing and we cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests and more seizures,” said Colonel Mogale.

The suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 12 October 2022.

They will be facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya has lauded the excellent arrests and seizures by the multi-disciplinary team and warned that this is only just the beginning.