HAWKS ARRESTED 3 ILLEGAL MINERS AND SEIZED MINING EQUIPMENT VALUED AT OVER R16 MILLION
LIMPOPO- Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with SAPS Waterberg Illegal Mining Task Team, Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC), and Tactical Response Team (TRT) arrested three alleged illegal miners between the ages of 28 and 48 and seized mining equipment valued at over R16 million on 08 April 2025.
On 08 April 2024, the police conducted a disruptive operation at Zwartkop in Thabazimbi aimed at addressing illegal mining activities. Upon arrival at Zwartkop the police spotted eight Excavators mining. The police managed to arrest three suspects. One of the suspect is allegedly to be in the country illegally.
Police also confiscate eight (8) excavators that were allegedly used during mining.
The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Thabazimbi Magistrates Court on 10 April 2025 where they will face charges related to illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Hawks operations aimed at dismantling the scourge of illegal mining activities within Limpopo Province are still ongoing.
