In a continuous efforts to address illegal mining and related offences, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
The suspects with ages ranging from 21 to 41 were apprehended during the Vala Umgodi operations executed on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 April 2025, in Witrandjie village near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits respectively.
Out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court and sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000,00 wholly suspended. The court ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin (Mozambique and Malawi). The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts on different dates between Tuesday, 29 April and Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
In the course of the arrests and as part of eradicating illegal mining, the police confiscated equipment used to mine illegally such as a water pump, jack hammer and electric extension cords.
