The Joint Law Enforcement Forces comprising the South African National Defence Force and various SAPS units, including Tactical Response Team, Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Public Order Police as well as the Border Policing Teams through a disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi arrested suspects for illegal mining and contravention of immigration act. The Disciplinary Teams also confiscated mining equipment at illicit mining sites in the five districts of Limpopo province.
It is reported that a 47-year-old male suspect was arrested in the early hours of Sunday 18 February 2024 at about 01:00, Giyani in Mopani District .It is reported that the suspect was nabbed while processing the suspected precious metals at Xikukwani village outside Giyani.
A couple of mining equipment that includes a shovel, spade, pick, and three bags full of the precious metals were confiscated. In addition, approximately fourteen bags full of the suspected precious metals were confiscated from a house at Mavalani village.
In a separate incident, a 44-year-old suspect was arrested along the N1 Highway near the Beitbridge Port of Entry outside Musina for driving while under the influence of alcohol on Saturday 17 February 2024 at about 19:30.
The Police in Sekhukhune District have arrested four male suspects aged between 19 and 48 years for illegal mining, contravention of immigration act and dealing in illicit cigarettes while also recovered a mining equipment abandoned at an illicit mining site that included a New Holland TLB machine and ten loads of a tipper truck of chrome piled at an illicit mining site. .
The Multidisciplinary Forces involved in Operation are hot on the heels of illegal miners and illegal immigrants as well as persons dealing in illicit cigarettes.
The suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.
Joint law enforcement forces continue with disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi apprehending suspects for illegal mining https://t.co/QVEnDIIDgR#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/tF1m6vV5Rn
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 19, 2024
