An alleged illicit mining kingpin is expected to appear in the Apel Magistrate’s Court in due course after being arrested with two others in Atok, Limpopo, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, a swift response by a multidisciplinary team, including units from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the National Intervention Unit under Operation Vala Umgodi, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious illicit mining kingpin in the Atok area along the R37 road, within the Apel policing precinct,” said the police.
In a statement on Friday, the police said the team intercepted illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of three individuals aged between 31 and 45 at the scene.
“Among the apprehended suspects was a Congolese foreign national believed to be the mastermind behind illegal mining operations in and around the Atok region,” said the SAPS in a statement on Friday.
A white and blue Scania horse and trailer truck loaded with chrome, TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe), a maroon Toyota Yaris, and a white Ford Ranger were seized during the operation. -SAnews.gov.za
