Seven alleged illegal miners were arrested. Image: South African Police Services Facebook page
Seven suspected illegal miners arrested in Sekhukhune District
One South African, three Mozambicans, and three Zimbabweans were arrested for suspected illegal mining activities
Seven alleged illegal miners were arrested. Image: South African Police Services Facebook page
During ongoing police operations in the early hours of Saturday, 14 January 2023, seven suspected illegal miners aged 18 to 36 were apprehended in the Driekop policing area.
The arrests happened in the Sekhukhune District.
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Suspected illegal miners arrested
The suspects are one South African, three Mozambicans, and three Zimbabweans.
They were apprehended while illegally mining chrome at Mooihoek Mountain by police.
The following mining equipment was confiscated by the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team and Driekop South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Prevention members:
- 17 Generators
- 7 Jackhammers
- 3 Electric cables
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Police commended for their efforts
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has praised the members for their collaborative efforts in combating illegal mining.
Hadebe said that the fight against illegal mining activities will continue to be intensified across the Province.
This particularly in the Sekhukhune and Mopani Districts.
Police are warning communities to refrain from engaging in illegal mining activities as police will relentlessly arrest all perpetrators and seize their equipment
On Monday, 16 January, the arrested suspects will appear in Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court to face charges related to illegal mining.
Under the Immigration Act, the suspects face additional charges.
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