Twenty-five suspects have been arrested for various transgressions, including illegal mining in Limpopo, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This as the SAPS’ Operation Vala Umgodi continues across the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the police said the 25 were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, possession of illicit drugs, and involvement in illegal mining activities over the weekend.
“The operation was conducted between 28 and 29 December 2024 -which was a coordinated effort, together with South African National Defence Force. The operation was aimed at addressing illegal mining and related criminal activities that brings instability within the mining environments,” said the SAPS.
The suspects were arrested in various locations across the five Districts of Limpopo, for illegal possession of narcotics and unlawful mining.
Police also apprehended numerous undocumented foreign nationals who were contravening the Immigration Act.
Illicit drugs such as crystal meth, along with mining equipment including shovels and spades were seized.
In Mokopane, Waterberg District, eleven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. In Maake, Mopani District, five individuals were arrested while in the Capricorn District, six arrests were made within the area.
Additionally, the Sekhukhune District Task Team traced and arrested a 34-year-old suspect for assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) in Groblersdal. Two suspects were also arrested for possession of suspected crystal meth and dagga in the Marble Hall policing area.
The other suspect was found in possession of cash which amounts to R3000-00 believed to be proceeds from the drugs.
“The arrested suspects will face charges under the Immigration Act, possession of illicit drugs, illegal mining, and other related charges,” said the police.
Meanwhile, government says a number of illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas, have voluntarily emerged from the disused mine shafts in Stilfontein in the North West, indicating that these individuals have the capability to exit the underground tunnels independently.
This is according to a statement issued by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on Sunday.
“Their delayed emergence appears to be a tactic to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies. Contrary to claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests that the miners have had access to supplies until recently,” said NATJOINTS.
READ | Illegal miners voluntarily emerge from Stilfontein mine shafts
In the statement, government said it was working to tackle the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to illegal mining, including unemployment and lack of economic opportunities. –SAnews.gov.za
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