Police have nabbed two suspects and seized explosives meant for illegal mining while patrolling the Zamimpilo informal settlement in Langlaagte, Johannesburg on Wednesday. This comes after members from Langlaagte stopped and searched a man suspected of selling cigarettes and instead discovered explosives in a plastic bag.
The provincial spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele told Gauteng News that the police immediately called the K9 unit on the scene.
“The K9 was summoned and on arrival confirmed that the contents of the plastic bag were indeed explosives: 20 sticks of power gel, 10 connector capped fuses, 10 metres of ignitor cord,” Makhubele said.
Makhubele said that the police have previously disrupted illegal mining activities in the same area. He said that a further search at one of suspect shack led to the discovery of more explosives.
“A further search at the man’s shack led to the discovery of even more explosives: 90 metres of ignitor cord, 85 connector capped fuses and 84 more sticks of power gel. A woman was arrested,” Makhubele said.
Meanwhile Gauteng Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the team for both their vigilance and diligence.
“The members had refused a bribe allegedly offered by the male suspect as he was being arrested. Such activities have been found to contribute to serious and violent crimes such as murder.” Mawela said.
The arrested suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate Court yesterday.
