| 2025/02/23 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi in Limpopo, in collaboration with the Tactical Joint Operational Command (TACJOC), conducted successful operations targeting illegal mining activities on Saturday, 22 February 2025. The operation led to the arrest of 30 undocumented persons for contravening the Immigration Act and five for illegal sand mining aged between 28 and 75. The five male individuals arrested for illegal sand mining were caught loading sand into their trucks in Rakgoadi policing precinct under Sekhukhune District. Four shovels were confiscated during the operation. The Capricorn District operation was led by TACJOC Commander Colonel David Malisa, alongside Operational Commander Colonel Choene Magwai and Combat Commander Lieutenant Colonel Orapeleng Motecwane. The team conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Bergenek village, within the Westenburg policing area, resulting in the arrest of six undocumented foreign nationals aged between 18 and 37. These individuals were apprehended at various locations and are suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities. Simultaneously, a parallel operation in Vhembe District saw law enforcement officers executing disruptive operations at multiple illegal mining sites. The team traced undocumented foreign nationals suspected of involvement in illegal mining to Nancefield and Musina CBD within the Musina policing precinct. A total of 17 undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 44, were arrested and charged under the Immigration Act. All 17 individuals face direct deportation in line with immigration laws. The other seven undocumented foreign nationals aged between 24 and 40 were arrested around Tzaneen, Mopani District, as part of disruptive operations. The arrested individuals will be processed accordingly, and further investigations are underway. Ends
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