The ongoing “Vala Umgodi” operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts continue to bear fruit after police arrested six male suspects on Wednesday in Hartbeespoortdam in the North West.
The suspects were arrested for illegal mining and contravening of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.
“The males, between the ages of 28 and 55, are from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. During the operation, items such as jack hammers, shovels, generators, gold bearing material and explosives were seized.
“From Monday, 30 December 2024, until today, 12 illegal miners have been placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein,” the SAPS said in a statement.
On Monday, six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein at the Margaret shaft and on Thursday, four more resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and two at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.
The police said that all mentioned suspects will appear in the Brits and Stilfontein Magistrate’s Courts today.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended the team members for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit mining. – SAnews.gov.za
