Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested
Home » Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested
Nine people were arrested in connection with illegal mining. Image via pexels
Police arrested nine suspected illegal miners during a strategic operation at Ha-Pasha, Limpopo. The suspects, aged between 22 and 44, also face charges for violating the Immigration Act.
Illegal mining has become prevalent in the province. However, the Sekhukhune District's Operation Vala Umgodi team is relentlessly committed to combating the practice. Intelligence-led officers identified the suspected illegal miners.
The suspects are currently in custody at Mecklenburg SAPS. Officers seized several items during the operation. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Masekela Magoro, said SAPS remains committed to protecting the country's natural resources. Magoro said the police will continue efforts to dismantle illegal mining to ensure a safer, sustainable future.
The arrests come after the country's mining sector saw its sixth consecutive month of recession. Data released by Statistics South Africa showed that the mining sector had a significant decline in production, down 7.8% year-on-year in April.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West says it has made a significant step in the illegal mining fight. The NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a preservation order relating to about R16 million worth of gold-bearing material (GBM). These were allegedly used for unlawful activities.
NPA spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya, said the order follows investigations from 2016 to 2020. During this period, certain suspects and entities reportedly transported GBM from a dormant mine to a processing plant in Stilfontein, Klerksdorp. Thereafter, it was refined, which contravened the Precious Metals Act.
As a result, police arrested one suspect, who is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 2 July.
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