Suspected illegal miners arrested during crime intelligence-driven operation

Police in the Province continue to deal effectively with illegal mining activities. This became evident when 10 suspected illegal miners were arrested on Friday, 16 August 2024, during a Crime Intelligence driven operation by a multidisciplinary team comprising of Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP), Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Lichtenburg and Zeerust K9 Units, Mahikeng Flying squad, Mounted Unit, District Visible Policing and Operational Coordination Centre (OCC) as well as Mmabatho, Mahikeng and Lomanyaneng Visible Policing.

The suspects were arrested after the team operationalised information received about illegal mining activities taking place at Windheuwel farm near Ottoshoop. The suspects; eight Mozambique and one Lesotho foreign nationals, are expected to reappear before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho on Wednesday, 28 August 2024. That after they made several court appearances between Monday, 19 and Thursday, 22 August 2024.

During the arrest, the police seized three Phenduka machines, one compressor, two step ladders, two motors, two shovels, four bags containing gold bearing material, food stuffs and cooking utensils.

The Mahikeng Hawks based Serious Organised Crime Investigation has taken over the investigation.

The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Commissioner, Major General Mmatlhapi Mmolawa, applauded the team for working together to expose and arrest the suspects.