Suspected illegal miners to remain in custody

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West

POTCHEFSTROOM – 12 suspected illegal miners nabbed on Thursday, 15 August 2024, during the “Vala Umgodi” operation in Bleskop near Rustenburg, were remanded in custody until Tuesday, 3 September 2024. The accused appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 August 2024, for possession of copper cables and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. 

The accused include five Zimbabweans and seven Mozambicans were arrested. During the arrest, the police seized illegal mining equipment that included five generators, water pump, five jack hammers, garden spades, pound hammers and a battery.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. He further praised all members involved for their tireless efforts in the fight against illegal mining.

Ends

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Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
082 496 9642

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