Police in Limpopo and Gauteng have arrested over 95 undocumented foreign nationals for illegal mining.
According to Gauteng police in a statement, more than 90 undocumented foreign nationals who are suspected to be illegal miners were arrested this week. Meanwhile, in Limpopo five undocumented foreign nationals aged between 19 and 34 were arrested.
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ILLEGAL MINING SITES DISRUPTED AND DISMANTLED
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the integrated disruptive illegal mining operations conducted weekly, focused on affected districts such as Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and West Rand, continue to yield positive results.
“During the operations, the police seized illegal mining tools that included, pendukas, penduka stands, generators, gas cylinders, jackhammers, steel balls, gold bearing material, welding machine, water pump motors and two live ammunition of a rifle. Illegal mining sites were also disrupted and dismantled,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi further added that law enforcement agencies will continue with these disruptive operations in the province and its members. She called on community members to work together with the police in fighting crime by reporting any criminal activities.
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TASK TEAM CATCHES ILLEGAL MINING GROUP IN THE ACT
The police through concerted efforts have arrested five undocumented foreign nationals for illegal mining at Selwane Village under the Lulekani policing area.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, in a statement members of the Mopani Illegal Mining Task Team arrived at the old mining shaft in Selwane and found a group of people in the act of illegal mining.
“As the police were approaching the suspects, one of them opened fire on the police as he returned underground. Police managed to arrest the four suspects and started searching for the one who went underground. He was eventually arrested but the firearm could not be found.
“The suspects were found in possession of picks, spades, iron digging bars, shovels and torches. One bag containing suspected precious minerals was also confiscated,” Mashaba explained.
In addition, he further said that members of the task team, recovered and seized various abandoned mining equipment, groceries, cool drinks and cooking pots in the area, which indicated there are other illegal miners in the area.
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POLICE COMMISSIONER WELCOMES ARREST OF ILLEGAL MINERS
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrest and hailed the team’s endless efforts which resulted in the confiscations as well.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Lulekani Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of illegal mining, attempted murder and contravention of the Immigration Act.
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