Mine manager arrested in sting operation in Mooihoek

A mine manager was arrested during a sting operation at a certain coal mine in Mooihoek, Piet Retief.

THE STING OPERATION HAPPENED IN MOOIHOEK, PIET RETIEF

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said heavy-duty tipper trucks and mining machinery were seized during Thursday’s sting operation.

“The men and women in Blue, assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga, reacted to information provided by officials from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) about illegal mining activities in the said area.”

Mdhluli said.

He said according to a report, mining activities were carried out in the area; however, the permit held by the mine was questionable.

THE PERMIT HELD BY THE MINE WAS QUESTIONABLE

“During the operation, the mine manager, Mbongiseni Josiah Nhlabathi (38) was found on site with some employees.

“Upon checking the area in which the mine was operating, a permit was produced; however, the permit thereof seems to have some discrepancies.”

Mdhluli said.

TIT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DMR DID NOT ALLOCATE THE AREA AS A MINING SITE

Mdhluli said it was discovered that the DMR did not allocate the area as a mining site, and hence, this matter is subject to the DMR investigation, which is underway.

“Be as it may, the mine manager was arrested for Contravention of the National Environmental Management Act. However, he was later released on free bail by the Piet Retief Magistrate Court on Friday, 12 April 2024.

SEVERAL MINING VEHICLES WERE SEIZED FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION

“Six tipper trucks and two light delivery vehicles were seized for further investigation.”

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has applauded the joint effort displayed by SAPS members and DMR officials in the fight against illegal mining.

If you are a victim of crime, you must report the incident at the nearest South African police station. The police will open a case docket and investigate the crime. You can also report crime anonymously by calling 08600 10111 or call 10111 for crime emergencies. This service is available 24 hours a day.