Three suspects arrested for illegal mining

The Police in Driekop under Sekhukhune District in collaboration with Mecklenburg, Burgersfort, Tubatse SAPS as well as Public Order Policing (POPS) apprehended three suspects aged between 21 and 35 for alleged illegal mining. The trio were nabbed on Tuesday 15 August 2023 at about 09:30.

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Police investigated information concerning suspects who were engaged in illegal mining activities on top of the mountain in Ga-Maroga village, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Driekop Policing Precinct. They rushed to the site.

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WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE ILLEGAL MINING?

When police arrived, they saw a huge group of men and women mining chrome. When they saw the police, they started running in different directions in order to avoid getting detained.

Three men, two South Africans and one illegal immigrant whose country is still unknown, were apprehended at the scene.

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The team was successful in seizing mining equipment throughout the operation. These included 12 wheelbarrows, 11 generators, 6 jack hammers, 2 grease pumps, a cable bundle, and a Bell TLB machine worth more than R200 000-00.

WHEN WILL THE THREE SUSPECTS APPEAR IN COURT?

The three are scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg Magistrate Court soon on allegations of illegal mining and violation of the Immigration Act.

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Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, has stated that the campaign against illicit mining in the province will be stepped up indefinitely in order to bring the culprits to justice.

“The police investigations are still ongoing, regarding the illegal mining” he said.

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