Multidisciplinary forces pounce on illegal sand miners through disruptive operation Vala Umgodi

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE – The Multidisciplinary Forces through Disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi have pounced on two male suspects aged 35 and 27 for contravention of environmental act by committing illegal sand mining on Friday 17 May 2024 at Seshego and Lebowakgomo policing precincts respectively, Capricorn District.

The Police have confiscated the two tipper trucks TATA and Mitsubishi Canter as well as the mining equipment that includes shovels and spades that were found abandoned and appears to have been used in the commission of illegal sand mining at illegal mining sites in Seshego and Lebowakgomo respectively.

In addition, twenty-three foreign nationals were arrested for contravention of immigration act in separate locations within the five districts on Friday, 17 May 2024.

In a separate incident, a 30-year-old male suspect was arrested on Friday 17 May 2024 for drunken driving while driving along R71 road at Letsitele in Mopani District,

The suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts in due course.
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