An Intelligence driven operation led to the arrest of two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals aged 25 and 42 years at a certain nature reserve on Wednesday, 18 September 2024 after they were reportedly involved in illegal mining activities.
Members attached to Operation Vala Umgodi’s Crime Intelligent received information which was operationalised by the Police Combat Team in collaboration with Field Rangers from the said nature reserve.
From a distance, a number of possible illegal miners appear to have been busy with illegal mining activities but upon the team’s arrival, the group disappeared into the bushes. It was during this period when Police cornered the two suspects.
Illegal mining equipment as well as gold bearing materials were discovered at the site and the items were confiscated.
The arrest follows shortly after two Mozambican nationals, aged 23 and 29 years in Pilgrim’s Rest yesterday, Tuesday 17 September 2024.
It is further reported that Police were responding to certain information whereby a group of illegal miners were spotted mining in the river at the tourist town of Pilgrims Rest.
Police headed to the scene whereby other illegal miners disappeared into thin air, leaving behind the two suspects with some suspected mining equipment.
Th Police are working in collaboration with the officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of all four foreign nationals.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has reiterated that the Police will regularly visit these illegal mining sites and disrupt their activities and the General also warned people who conduct illegal mining activities in areas such like the nature reserve, that the Police are vigilant and will not allow anyone to do as they wish in these places. “We continue to work hard in clamping down illegal mining and their activities has a negative impact on the environment, ” said the General.
Four foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining https://t.co/EaFmsABRyD#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/pmBdLg1pRE
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 19, 2024