The Police in Lebowakgomo, as part of the ongoing High-Density Operation Vala Umgodi, have successfully apprehended four male suspects who are foreign nationals aged between 22 and 35 for engaging in illegal mining activities and violation of immigration laws at Makurung village in the Capricorn District.
Acting swiftly, the members of the SAPS Capricorn District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted a targeted operation on Wednesday, 06 March 2024, at approximately 20:30 in the Lebowakgomo policing area, leading to the discovery of an illegal mining site in Makurung village.
Upon approaching the scene, the police noticed an idling power generator. As they moved closer to the site, they discovered the four male suspects actively engaged in illegal mining. The suspects attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended.
During the arrest, the police seized various mining equipment utilized in the illicit activities, including 3 shovels, 2 electrical cables, 2 fans, 1 spade, 1 rake, 1 pick, 1 container containing chrome, 1 jackhammer, 1 power generator, 1 drill point, and 2 cellphones.
In a separate incident, the SAPS Vhembe District Illicit Mining Task Team, as part of their Operation Vala Umgodi initiative, successfully recovered abandoned mining equipment at an illegal mining site in Muchipise village outside Malamulele. The recovered items included 3 picks, 3 spades, 1 hammer, 2 headlamps, 2 cellphones, and a 10 kg bag filled with precious stones.
Upon realizing that the police had arrived at the scene, suspected illegal miners swiftly fled in various directions, managing to evade arrest and leaving their equipment behind.The team confiscated the items and continued with their efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities through a series of crime prevention techniques, including foot patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and stop-and-search operations.
During the course of Operation Vala Umgodi in Malamulele, a total of thirty vehicles and one hundred and twenty-two individuals were subjected to thorough searches.
The police remain vigilant in pursuing the individuals involved in illegal mining and those who fled from the scene to avoid arrest.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 8, 2024, where they will face charges related to illegal mining and contravention of immigration laws.
This ongoing endeavour underscores the commitment of the police in combating illicit activities and upholding the rule of law in the province.
Operation Vala Umgodi makes significant strides in combating illegal mining activities https://t.co/r9kZ2u9zjW#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/biZEQKmh9b
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 8, 2024