Picture: Some of the equipment seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Six suspects were arrested for illegal mining in Brits. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the suspects were nabbed during an integrated multi-disciplinary disruptive Vala Umgodi operation conducted in Hartbeespoort Dam, near Brits on 3 April 2024.
Mokgwabone said the police also confiscated various illegal mining equipment. He further said the arrests were effected by a team comprising the South African Police Service (SAPS) units, including Vala Umgodi deployment.
“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was also part of the team and the suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. Four of the six suspects were from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi and were remanded in custody until 23 and 25 April 2024, for plea when they appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 5 April 2024.
“The fifth suspect from Mozambique, also appeared for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. She was remanded in custody until 12 May 2024. The sixth suspect, who is a Mozambican, was issued with a fine for driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence,” said Mokgwabone.
He added that, in effecting the arrests, the team also seized 28 penduka machines, five gas cylinders, two cutting torches, a generator, six hammers, a water pump, 78 bags of gold bearing material, a jack hammer and several other items.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all team members for working together to effectively address illegal mining activities.
The Guardian 