Limpopo police apprehended illegal miners through a disruptive operation Vala Umgodi and confiscated mining equipment

The Police in Limpopo through a Disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi have arrested three foreign national male suspects for illegal mining and contravention of immigration act.

It is reported that the team of the Multidisciplinary Forces comprising members of the SAPS, and the SANDF have conducted an Operation on Sunday 28 April 2024 at Scheiding farm under Lulekani policing precinct outside Phalaborwa in Mopani District. The Police have pounced on two male suspects aged 21 and 26 while digging precious metals underground without a mining permit.

A 41-year-old male suspect was nabbed in a separate incident for digging chrome at Zeekoeigat farm along R37 road outside Lebowakgomo under Malipsdrift policing area in Capricorn District on Saturday 27 April 2024.

The Police have confiscated mining equipment at different scenes of illegal mining sites that included mine lab detectors, shovels, iron bars, jackhammers, and electrical cable.

The suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Court soon in the week facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of immigration act.