By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Police continue to fight illegal mining operations across the Sekhukhune District. And the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is happy with the job by the men in blue.
The success follows the apprehension of twelve (12) illegal miners at Modikwa mountain under Driekop policing area on Tuesday 13 June 2023.
According to colonel Malesela Ledwaba,the members of the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team were informed about illegal activities at the premise and jointly operationalized on the information together with the Public Order Policing (POPS), Bodikwa Protection Service, Phothoma Security Company and SSG Security Airwing.
“The suspects allegedly saw a convoy of motor vehicles approaching from a distance, and started to run away in different directions while others went inside the unsafe tunnels.
“Diligence and commitment from the Law Enforcement Agencies led to swift arrest of five (05) undocumented foreign nationals and seven (07) South African suspects at the crime scene. Amongst the suspects two are females.
“During the arrest, more than four hundred thousand rands (R400.000) of illegal mining equipment were confiscated that include; 27 Generators, 24 Jackhammers, 03 Spades, 11 Shovels, 03 Wheelbarrows and 09 Electrical Extensions,” said Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said the suspects aged between 18 and 48 will appear before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of illegal mining and Contravention of Immigration Act.
“Police investigations are continuing,” he said.