By Agreement Mabunda
LULEKANI – Four suspects, Tawurai Muranda (28), Sinbarashe Moyo (30), Syton Muzemba (32), and Eric Mudau (33), appeared in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
They have been remanded in custody until October 25, 2024, pending further police investigations.
Their arrest follows an operation by the SAPS Operation Vala Umgodi team, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders, aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the Mopani District.
The law enforcement team was carrying out their operation when they received intelligence regarding active illegal mining at Scheiding Farm, Gate 03, in the Lulekani area. Acting swiftly, they proceeded to the location and found a group of individuals illegally mining minerals. Upon noticing the police, the suspects attempted to flee in different directions.
Four suspects, aged between 28 and 33, were successfully apprehended. Authorities also seized illegal mining equipment, including shovels, spades, picks, iron bars, hammers, torches, and cellphones.
The SAPS and SANDF continue to intensify their efforts to combat illegal mining operations, which pose significant environmental and safety risks to local communities. The case is still under investigation, and more arrests may follow as police probe further into the illegal mining syndicates operating in the region.
