| 2024/09/22 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – The ongoing operations Vala Umgodi conducted in Vhembe and Mopani Districts on Friday, 20 September 2024 led to the arrest of five suspects aged between 25 and 51 linked to the illegal mining of minerals, and illegal mining of sand and contravention of immigration act. The suspects set to appear before Thohoyandou and Giyani Magistrate’s courts on Monday, 23 September 2024. In Vhembe District, the multifaceted team went to Madonsi and conducted an intelligence driven operation, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects for charges of illegal mining, contravention of immigration act and processing of suspected precious minerals. Meanwhile, in Mopani District, the team comprising SANDF and members of the Vala Umgodi team went to Ngove and Siyandana villages in Klein Letaba river area where illegal mining of sand is known to be taking place. The team arrived before the illegal miners and made a waylay. Illegal miners arrived with equipment to mine illegally. While busy with illegal mining activities, the team tactically approached them. They failed to produce permits and were placed under arrest on the spot. During the operations in both Vhembe and Mopani Districts, police confiscated the following items: * 05 × Shovels * 05 × Spades * 03 × Piks * 02 × Carpenter hammers * 01 × 2 Pounds hammers * 04 × Torches * 42 × 25kg bags of suspected precious minerals. * 01 × Excavator * 04 × Tipper-Trucks * 01 × Front loader The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the teams under operation Vala Umgodi for the sterling work. “This will send a clear message to those who continue to engage in the illegal mining activities across the province that the police will not hesitate to act,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. The police investigations are continuing. Ends
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