By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
As part of addressing illegal mining, 32 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during the integrated Vala Umgodi Operation in Mooinooi and Mogwase. The suspects briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 21 August 2024, for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested between 20 and 21 August 2024. He said of the 32 accused, 12 were found guilty and fined R1 500 or sentenced to three months imprisonment respectively.
“The other 18 accused will remain in custody until 2 September 2024. Meanwhile, the last two accused were released after it was established that they are documented. The accused, who are foreign nationals from Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, include nine women.
“The operation also led to the confiscation of various illegal mining equipment, which were found abandoned. They include three water pumps, water pipes, extension cord and three excavators,” said Mokgwabone.
The Guardian 