By OBAKENG MAJE
Ten accused who were arrested during the Operation Vala Umgodi in Hartbeespoort Dam, were remanded in custody until 18 and 20 June 2024, for interpreters respectively. The accused appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s on 11 June 2024, for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested during the operation conducted between 9 and 10 June 2024. Funani said the suspects included Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals.
“The police seized illegal mining equipment that included a phenduka machine and motor, chains and hammers. In Mogwase, nine suspects who appeared in court for Contravention of the Immigration Act 2002 and illicit mining on 10 June 2024, were all remanded in custody until 19 June 2024.
“The suspects were arrested in Tlhatlaganyane village on 6 June 2024, and they comprised six Lesotho and two Zimbabwe foreign nationals, as well as a South African. During the arrest, the police confiscated a tipper truck, generators, hammers, jack hammers, water pumps and many other equipment,” she said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment.
The Guardian 