By Agreement Mabunda
OFCOLACO-In a significant crackdown on illegal minutes ning activities, a team of multidisciplinary forces, under Operation Vala Umgodi, arrested thirteen suspects on Thursday, 15 August 2024, near Lekgalameetse Game Reserve in the Maake policing area of Mopani District.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 63, were caught in the act of illegal mining and are now facing serious legal consequences.
The operation, led by the Mopani District Illicit Mining Task Team, involved various components of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Airwing, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The suspects were discovered actively engaged in illegal mining at the site when they noticed the presence of law enforcement officers. Attempting to flee in different directions, they were quickly cornered and apprehended by the operational members.
During the arrest, the suspects were unable to produce a valid permit to operate at the mine. Law enforcement seized several tools and equipment used in their illicit activities, including four picks, three spades, three shovels, a hammer, a DHN generator, a water pipe, a headlamp, and a scale. The suspects’ cellphones were also confiscated as part of the investigation.
The arrested individuals are set to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court soon, where they will face charges related to illegal mining. The police have confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing, as they work to address the growing issue of illegal mining in the region.
