MAVALANI: A joint intelligence- driven operation by Giyani police, Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Mopani Tracing Team led to the arrest of 08 suspects and seizure of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, one bakkie, and illegal mining equipment in Mavalani village on Friday, 08 May 2026.
The operation targeted identified locations linked to illegal mining activities in the area.
At the first location, police arrested three male suspects aged between 23 and 54 and seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. A grey Isuzu Double Cab bakkie used to transport unwrought precious minerals was also impounded.
Police further confiscated abandoned mining equipment and suspected mined materials, including 17 x 4-pound hammers, 3 clay-made stones, 2 chisels, 1 crowbar, 1 three-pound hammer, 1 plier, and 3 headlights.
The operation then moved to a second location in the same village, where three foreign male nationals aged between 23 and 54 were arrested for illegal mining and Contravention of the Immigration Act.
Items seized at the site included 3 pendukas, 1 wheelbarrow, 2 silver motors, 2 drums, 1 spade, 6 x 40 litre basins, 3 bags, 4 empty buckets, 2 blue drums, R1. 950 in cash and 2 cellphones.
At a third location, police apprehended two female suspects aged 35 and 37 for processing unwrought suspected precious metals in a one-roomed house. A 2-pound hammer and a bag of suspected unwrought precious metals were recovered during the arrest.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of illegal mining, Contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commends the coordinated effort of all units involved in disrupting illegal mining that fuels other serious crimes in the area.
Police investigations are continuing.