Just News |
The Police in Limpopo arrested twenty-four (24) suspected illegal miners and confiscated mining equipment and unprocessed chrome. The suspects were arrested during a joint operation conducted on Wednesday 20 July 2022 at about 12:30 in the areas around Atok under Apel policing area in Sekhukhune District.
Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba of Limpopo Police said the operation was a joint effort between the Police, the Departments of Home Affairs and Mineral Resources, Immigration Officials, EMS and Phoenix mine security. The various police units involved included Tactical Response Team (TRT) the Hawks, Public Order Police (POPS), LCRS, Detectives and Explosives Unit.
“The arrested suspects were found to be in the country illegally and will face additional charges of contravening the Immigration Act. Police confiscated 13 jackhammers, 07 buckets, 01 generator, 11 shovels,03 electrical cords, chrome and cash amount of R16 450-00”.
The suspects aged between 19 and 54 are expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 21 July 2022 facing charges of illegal mining, possession of suspected illegal mining equipment as well as chrome and contravention of the Immigration Act.
