Five undocumented foreign nationals busted for alleged illegal mining of presumed gold-bearing minerals in Giyani

In a concerted effort to combat illegal mining activities in Limpopo, the multidisciplinary Vala Umgodi Task Team arrested five undocumented foreign nationals, including three females, for illegal mining of presumed gold-bearing materials in the Mavalani area, Giyani, under the Mopani District on 15 January 2025 at about 10:40.

The suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-driven joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and Airwing (Drone Pilot). The suspects were found engaged in illegal mining activities across different sites, and upon noticing the presence of law enforcement, they attempted to flee into nearby bushes. With the assistance of drone surveillance, law enforcement managed to apprehend two males, aged 31 and 44, and three females, aged between 24 and 42.

During the operation, nearly 1000 x 50kg bags containing sand suspected of containing gold bearing minerals were recovered. Additionally, the following items were seized:

– Three picks
– Two spades
– Two plastic basins
– Four shovels
– Five white buckets

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests and commended the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal mining activities in the province.

The suspects are expected to appear before Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 17 January 2025, to face charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.