By REGINALD KANYANE
28 April 2025- In continuous efforts to address illegal mining and related offences, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates Courts on 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
The suspects aged between 21 to 41, were arrested during the Vala Umgodi operations executed in Witrandjie village, near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits on 23 and 24 April 2025 respectively.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court. Mokgwabone said they were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000, wholly suspended.
“The court ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin (Mozambique and Malawi). The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts on different dates between 29 April and 24 June 2025.
“In the course of the arrests and as part of eradicating illegal mining, the police confiscated equipment used to mine illegally such as a water pump, jack hammer and electric extension cords,” he said.
The Guardian 