| 2024/09/14 |
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Media Statement LIMPOPO – The Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender hailed the members of Polokwane Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit for arresting two suspects believed to be the kingpins behind illegal mining activities within Limpopo Province. The male suspects, aged 63 and 31, were arrested in Burgersfort on 13 September 2024, for alleged possession of suspected property (chrome) valued at over R20 million. On the 12 December 2023, Polokwane based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (SOCIU), Sekhukhune District Task Team, South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Local Criminal Record Central (LCRC) and SSG Security Company conducted a disruptive operation at Burgersfort. The operation was aimed to address illegal mining activities within Sekhukhune District. During operation, the team went to Triton Chrome Storage in Steelpoort, where they found a Geologist, Mr Jan Aucamp, in possessions of piles of chrome valued at R20 million inside the yard. Police requested him to produce a permit to possess such amount of chrome, and he failed. Mr Aucamp was immediately put under arrest for possession of suspected stolen property (chrome). Preliminary investigations established that the recovered chrome was mined illegally from various mines in Sekhukhune District. The recovered chrome was confiscated. The Hawks’ further investigation Aucamp is not the only accused in this matter. Investigation linked other two men holding top positions at Triton Mineral Africa with the illegal mining related crimes. The case docket was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for decision. As a result, a warrant to arrest the suspects was issued. Both suspects were arrested, and they are expected to appear before court on Monday, 16 September 2024. Illegal mining is one of the most serious crimes committed usually by organised criminals. When coming to such crimes, as the Hawks we equal to the task said Major General Govender. The Hawks operations aimed to dismantle all scourge of illegal mining activities are still ongoing within Limpopo Province. Ends
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