South Africa: 65-year-old allegedly allowed illegal miners to enter mineshaft through hole in his bedroom

Authorities in the South African province of North West have brought charges against a 65-year-old man who allegedly allowed illegal miners to gain entry into a local mine through a hole that was dug in his bedroom.

Per IOL , authorities said the sexagenarian was arrested last Thursday and charged with illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.

The suspect was arrested at an informal settlement close to Khuseleka 1 mine, Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said. “The team received a tip-off and made the arrests,” Funani disclosed.

“The homeowner, who lives with his family at the house, is believed to have either used the hole in the room’s floor, or allowed others to use it, as an entrance to the nearby mine shaft.”

Funani also said that some men made their way into the suspect’s home and went down the hole in question after officers responded to the scene.

“With the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house. A search for other suspects is continuing,” Funani said.

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