A total of 42 suspects are expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 13 April 2023, facing charges of illegal mining and Contravention of Immigration Act.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint intelligence operation conducted by the members of the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team, Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with the RR Undercover Security Company at Ga-Phasha village under Sefateng mine jurisdiction in Mecklenburg policing precinct at about 23:30.
Police received information about illegal mining activities taking place in the area and swiftly reacted.
Upon arrival, police found the suspects busy mining a precious metal (Chrome) at the mine without authorisation. When the suspects noticed police presence, they ran into the nearby bushes and others went inside the self-made tunnels in an attempt to evade arrest.
The scene was cordoned off and 43 suspects were ultimately apprehended.
In addition, police confiscated 12 generators and 10 jackhammers valued at R170, 000-00 and chrome estimated to be more than a million rand.
The male suspects aged between 18 and 43 are 41 undocumented Zimbabweans, one Mozambican National and one South African citizen.
“Police will stop at nothing in ensuring that the perpetrators of these crimes are arrested and ultimately incarcerated for justice to prevail,” concluded Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Police illegal mining operations are continuing across the province.
