A week-long police crackdown on illegal mining activities in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, has led to the arrest of 105 suspects, including 91 undocumented foreign nationals, while large quantities of gold-bearing material, mining equipment and cash were seized.
The multidisciplinary operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), was conducted between July 6 and July 12 as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining networks operating in the province.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu said officers recovered 14 bags of gold-bearing material, 39 phendukas, seven motors, 201 steel balls, 40 shovels and spades, bags of soil, six gas cylinders, a gold measuring scale, a metal detector and a cutting torch during the operation.
Police also confiscated R16,300 in cash believed to be linked to illegal mining activities.
In a further blow to suspected illegal mining operations, SAPS destroyed some of the confiscated equipment on July 13. The destroyed items included 100 phendukas, six gas cylinders, 15 motors and 40 shovels and spades.
“The destruction of the equipment was carried out in line with applicable procedures,” Jabu said.
Illegal mining, commonly associated with organised criminal syndicates and environmental damage, remains a major challenge in several parts of South Africa, with law enforcement agencies intensifying efforts to dismantle illicit operations.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised officers involved in the operation for their commitment to tackling the crime.
Mkhwanazi “commended the members involved for their dedication and commitment to combating illegal mining”.
He further warned that police would continue targeting those involved in the illicit trade, saying SAPS “would continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in illegal mining and ensuring that those responsible are brought to book”.
The arrested suspects are expected to face various charges linked to illegal mining and immigration-related offences as investigations continue.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
