By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – A 42-year-old man from Pharare has been arrested for illegal sand mining at Madhawa village outside Burgersdorp in Greater Tzaneen, as part of the ongoing police crackdown on environmental crimes and immigration violations.
The arrest was made during a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation, Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at curbing illegal mining and undocumented migration across the province.
The suspect was apprehended while using a white Toyota tipper truck and two shovels to extract sand unlawfully. All equipment was confiscated at the scene.
In addition to the arrest in Maake, the operation led to several other apprehensions across different regions:
In the Mopani District, three suspects aged between 19 and 29 were arrested for contravening immigration laws.
In the Malamulele area, seven undocumented individuals aged 18 to 35 were detained. Tools used in suspected illegal mining — including phendukas, spades, pickaxes, and shovels — were recovered.
In the Sekhukhune District, four men aged between 23 and 45 were also arrested for immigration-related offenses.
All arrested individuals are expected to appear in their respective Magistrate’s Courts in the coming days. Police investigations into all cases are ongoing.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reiterated its commitment to fighting illegal mining and unlawful immigration. Authorities continue to urge community members to report suspicious or criminal activities anonymously to their nearest police stations.
“Operations like Vala Umgodi are critical in dismantling networks that threaten our natural resources and national security,” said SAPS Limpopo spokesperson.
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