Eight zama zamas caught in the act in Limpopo

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested eight suspects for illegal mining in Hlaneki, Mapuve and Mavalani villages, just outside Giyani, on Thursday.

The suspects aged between 31 and 65 are expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court today for contravening Precious Metal Act 37 of 2005.

The Hawks, the SAPS Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention unit, Local Criminal Record Centre, Explosives Unit, Crime Intelligence, Air Wing, K9, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Water and Sanitation conducted simultaneous disruptive operations focusing on illegal mining at the three villages, where the integrated team confiscated a generator, hose pipes, saws, electric cables, hammers, 9mm live ammunition, gold nuggets, bags full of gold bearing material, pendukas, grinder and a app gas.

The confiscated goods are yet to be valued but they are expected to run into millions. The suspects were found processing gold and when they were apprehended.

Limpopo DPCI Provincial Head Major General Thobeka Jozi has welcomed the successes emanating from this operation and assured the public that police will continue to intensify such operations in the strife to decisively deal with illegal mining which is contributing to serious and violent crime in the province.