Joint forces through disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi pounces on four illegal miners at Atok Village

The joint multi-disciplinary forces have on Sunday, 25 February 2024, arrested four male suspects for illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act at Atok in Apel policing under Sekhukhune District.

The operation comprised of the members from various units in SAPS and the South African National Defence Force. The team operationalised information received about illegal mining activities in the area.

The four suspected illegal miners, aged between 18 and 36, were spotted, and subsequently arrested on the spot. They were underground in a shaft at illegal mining site digging and piling stock of minerals outside the shafts.

Meanwhile, few suspects, upon noticing the arrival of Police, ultimately fled the scene on foot running in different directions.

Police confiscated mining equipment that includes one spade and a shovel with some buckets that are believed to have been used to carry the minerals out of holes.

The Police are hard on the heels of the other illegal miners who reportedly fled from the scene.

The suspects are expected to appear before Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act.