The police have announced that nine illegal miners have been arrested in Mashobodo, near Ngodwana in Mpumalanga. The nine, foreign nationals from Mozambique, were arrested during the intelligence-driven Operation Vala Umgodi targeting illegal mining activities in the area. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga.
The arrested individuals were found with mining equipment and chemicals suspected to be used to refine gold-bearing material. Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli stated that police are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects in the country. The men are facing charges related to illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise emphasized that the latest arrests demonstrate the police’s continued commitment to tackling illegal mining in the province. She stated that similar operations will continue to be carried out, not only in Mashobodo but also in other areas, including Barberton, Sabie, and Pilgrim's Rest. The police urge the public not to harbor illegal miners whose activities have harmful repercussions for the environment and the livelihoods of residents.
The crackdown on illegal mining extends beyond Mpumalanga. Earlier this week, four suspected illegal miners were arrested at Beatrix mine in the Free State during a joint security operation. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 184kg of suspected gold-bearing material. The four men, aged between 28 and 36, were arrested during Operation Prosper at Shaft 2’s rock dump in Theunissen.
According to Sergeant Palesa Thabana, police, SANDF, and mine security carried out the operation at about 10:35 pm. During the operation, the team found four males conducting unlawful surface mining activities. The arrested individuals are currently in custody, and the police are working to gather more information on their activities.
The police have recovered pendukas, which are mining implements, and some chemicals suspected to be used to refine gold-bearing material. The nine Mozambican nationals are expected to appear in court in due course. The police's efforts to combat illegal mining have been ongoing, with various operations conducted in different areas.
The issue of illegal mining has significant environmental and economic implications. The police's operations aim to disrupt and dismantle these activities, which have been linked to various crimes, including theft and environmental degradation. The public is urged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining.
Key points
- Nine Mozambican nationals arrested in Mpumalanga for illegal mining.
- Police recover mining equipment and chemicals used for refining gold-bearing material.
- Operations to combat illegal mining will continue in various areas, including Barberton, Sabie, and Pilgrim's Rest.
