The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, together with the Ehlanzeni District Commissioner, Major General D Xaba, led a disruptive operation at Majax Informal Settlement in the Pilgrim’s Rest policing area.
The multidisciplinary operation comprised members of the SAPS, K9 Unit, Public Order Policing, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), and the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.
During the operation, four suspects aged between 25 and 65 were arrested for various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act, dealing in dagga, possession of illicit cigarettes, and possession of illicit liquor. In addition, a fine was issued to an individual for selling liquor without a valid licence.
Various items of #illegalmining equipment were confiscated, including motors, phendukas, and other equipment commonly used in illegal mining activities.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga continues to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining across the province through intelligence-driven operations, regular disruptive actions, and close collaboration with key stakeholders and law enforcement partners. These operations form part of ongoing stabilisation interventions aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, confiscating equipment used in unlawful activities, enforcing compliance with relevant legislation, and restoring law and order in affected communities.
#PartnershipPolicing #fightingcrime
