SAPS Limpopo joins forces with internal and external stakeholders to tackle illicit mining activities

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

POLOWANE – The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), in collaboration with the SAPS Operation Vala Umgodi Tactical Joint Operational Command Center (TACJOC), convened a high-level meeting on Thursday, 20 February 2025, in Polokwane, to address illegal mining activities in the Limpopo province. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Rhudzani Mabogo, Director for Compliance and enforcement at DMRE, alongside TACJOC Commander Colonel David Malisa, brought together key internal and external stakeholders to discuss intervention strategies.

The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including: members of TACJOC, Venue Operational Center (VOC) Commanders, and representatives from various units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), DMRE representatives, mining company representatives, private security, as well as Asset Forfeiture Unit.

The engagement formed a crucial part of the provincial intervention strategy, focusing on the following key objectives:

• Ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
• Strengthening co-ordination between law enforcement agencies and mining companies.
• Sharing Operational strategies to combat illegal mining.
• Enhancing enforcement measures to dismantle illicit mining operations.
• Exploring legal avenues to combat illegal mining.

The discussions centred around: The current status of illegal mining in Limpopo and its socio-economic impact, strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to enhance enforcement effectiveness, the role of mining companies in reporting and preventing illegal mining activities on their sites, legal measures and enforcement actions against illegal miners and syndicates as well as the importance of community engagement in raising awareness about the dangers of illegal mining.

In conclusion, the meeting emphasized the urgency of tackling illegal mining and enhancing compliance mechanisms. Key action points included:

• Strengthening joint operations between law enforcement agencies and mining stakeholders.
• Increasing awareness in identifying and disrupting illegal mining activities.
• Implementing stricter regulatory compliance measures in the mining sector.

Limpopo SAPS remains committed to eradicating illegal mining activities through strategic stakeholder collaboration, enforcement actions, and regulatory compliance. Further engagements and operational updates will be conducted to ensure continued progress in the fight against illegal mining activities across the province.

Ends

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Sergeant Maphure Manamela
076 481 5767

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