A 30-year-old man was arrested on Friday, June 5, 2026, for the illegal processing of unwrought precious metals at a local river in Homu 14B Section, Giyani.
The Mopani District Illicit Mining Team was initially at the river at approximately 09:00 to address a dispute between two mining permit holders regarding a mining site. At 10:50, while still on the scene, officers observed a group of individuals processing suspected unwrought precious metals on the riverbank.
Police tactically approached the area and identified four male suspects operating a manual, temporary processing system. Officers apprehended the 30-year-old suspect at the scene. The three remaining suspects evaded arrest by fleeing into the river and swimming to the opposite bank.
Authorities confiscated the equipment used in the illegal operation, which included:
* Six 20-litre buckets
* Two shovels
* One pick
* One large light green plastic basin
* One bag containing suspected unwrought precious metals
The arrested suspect is scheduled to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 8, 2026, facing a charge of illegal processing of unwrought precious metals.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
