The Police in Limpopo through multi-disciplinary forces have netted multiple suspects for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act during the execution of high-density Operation Vala Umgodi which started on Sunday 05 May 2024 until the early hours of Monday 06 May 2024.
It is reported that members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team, Public Order Police, National Intervention Unit, Organised Crime Investigation and the Crime Intelligence Unit in collaboration with members of the SANDF and the Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs have arrested two male suspects, aged 29 and 52, at Malipstrift and Malamulele policing precincts respectively for illegal mining.
According to the information two male suspects were nabbed in separate locations at Zeekoeigat farm and Madonsi village respectively in the commission of illegal mining activities.
In addition, about 35 foreign nationals were arrested in separate locations within the five districts for contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Police have managed to confiscate the mining equipment at illegal mining sites which were found being used in the commission of illegal mining activities that included jackhammers, power generators, shovels, electrical cables, and wheelbarrows.
The suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts in the week facing the charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.