Forty-four people, including two policemen, were arrested for possession and dealing in stolen gold in Welkom on Wednesday, the Diamond and Gold Unit said on Thursday. Superintendent Ernie van Rensburg said the unit had launched a covert operation six months ago targeting two mines in the Welkom and Virginia areas in the Free State. Van Rensburg said the policemen arrested were stationed in the Virginia and the Melloding areas. He said 28 mineworkers, including 17 gold plant workers and 11 security guards, were among those arrested as well as 14 alleged gold smugglers. During the six month period police recovered two kilograms of gold worth R180_000.