A mineworker is expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on charges of illegally possessing explosives and mine property, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini said the 49-year-old was arrested on Wednesday at 8am in Slovoville, Roodepoort.

"The West Rand mine employee was arrested today (Wednesday) after his house was searched and police recovered 12 capped fuses and 13 blasting cartridges were found," said Dlamini.

The man was expected to appear in court on Friday.

Dlamini said the arrest followed observation of the man's home.

Police suspect that the man stole the explosives - the same explosives used to bomb ATMs - during night shifts.

"Further investigation as to how the explosives leave the mine is continuing," said Dlamini.

Sapa