POLICE DISRUPTIVE OPERATIONS CONTINUE TO CURB ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES
POLOKWANE – The police through concerted efforts have arrested five undocumented foreign nationals aged between 19 and 34 for illegal mining on Sunday, 24 December 2023, at Selwane Village under Lulekani policing area.
It is reported that 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 picks, spades, iron digging bar, shovels and torches. One bag containing suspected precious minerals was also confiscated.
In addition, members of this team, have 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.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has 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 in due course, facing charges of illegal mining, attempted murder and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Members of the community are urged to report illegal mining activities on the Crime Stop 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or use MySAPS App.
