Ford Ranger bakkie loaded with scrap metals recovered

The Police in Sekhukhune District through Operation Vala Umgodi have recovered a suspected stolen motor vehicle, a white Ford Ranger with Mpumalanga Province registration numbers, fully loaded with scrap metals in the early hours of Thursday 14 March 2024, at Phokathaba illegal mining sites outside Burgersfort.

It is reported that a multi-disciplinary forces, comprising of SAPS National Intervention Unit and the South African National Defence Force conducted a waylay approach to operation and subsequently recovered a suspected stolen motor vehicle and numerous mining equipment, including six power generators, seven jackhammers, 14 shovels, eight electrical cables, four Wheelbarrows, one pound hammer and one garden fork, that were found abandoned.

Police investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery and the origin of the Ford Ranger.

A total number of 23 undocumented persons were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act in Waterberg, Mopani and Vhembe Districts, respectively in the early hours of Thursday 14 March 2024. The suspects were processed for direct deportation by the Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs.

In addition two undocumented male suspects, aged 25 and 37, were nabbed at a dilapidated house situated in the bushes at Leeu-Spruit farm in Lulekani outside Phalaborwa where illegal mining activities are conducted.

The Police have confiscated mining equipment in possession by the suspected illegal miners in Leeu-Spruit farm that included two power generators, two hammers, three ropes, one pull up lifting machine and one 20 litter petrol container.

The suspects are expected to appear before Lulekani Magistrate’s Courts soon facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.