INTENSIVE efforts to clamp down on illegal mining have led to the arrest of 24 illegal miners.
The arrests of the miners, aged between 19 and 54, took place at a mining area in Atok, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, on Wednesday, 20 July.
The operation involved a number of organisations including Home Affairs, the Department of Mineral Resources, immigration officials, emergency services personnel, mine security and police officers from various units.
A total of 22 suspects were found to be in the country illegally and will face additional charges of contravening the Immigration Act.
Police seized mining equipment such as 13 jackhammers, seven buckets, a generator, 11 shovels and electrical cords.
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They confiscated unprocessed chrome and R16 450 in cash.
Limpopo police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrests.
He said: “The suspects are expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrates Court soon facing charges of illegal mining, possession of illegal mining equipment and chrome, as well as the contravention of the Immigration Act.”
Ledwaba added that the operations are continuing. Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the success of the operation and commended all the members involved.
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“Community members are warned that they should not engage in these illegal activities. The police will conduct similar operations in all areas to bring the perpetrators to book. I appeal to members of the community to report these activities to the police immediately,” said Hadebe.
