A suspected illegal miner (29) was arrested at Ga- Manyaka outside Burgersfort and mining equipment worth over R800 000-00 was seized by the Hawks on 20 May 2023.
The suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary disruptive operation conducted by Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with DPCI Head office, Lebowakgomo Local Criminal Record Centre, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and State Security Agency.
The suspect was found whilst mining without a permit.
During the operation, members managed to seize illegal mining equipment including a generators, a tractor loader backhoe valued at R700 000-00, 86 wheelbarrows and 11 jack hammers.
All seized equipment worth over R800 000-00.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Mecklenburg Magistrate court on 22 May 2023 to face illegal mining charges. More disruptive operations are still going to be conducted.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender has commended the sterling work done by the team. “We are determined to fight illegal mining in the Province by conducting continuous disruptive operations until all illegal miners are brought to book “. Said Major General Gopz Govender.
