Picture: illegal miner hiding between the rocks during operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 January 2025- Six suspects aged between 28 and 55, were arrested for illegal mining and contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. The suspects were arrested on New Year’s Day in Hartbeespoortdam.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts, continue to achieve success. Myburgh said the suspects are from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.
“During the operation, items such as jack hammers, shovels, generators, gold bearing material and explosives were seized. Since 30 December 2024, until today, 12 illegal miners were placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein.
“On Monday, six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein at Margaret shaft and on 2 January 2025, four more resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and two at Buffelsfontein Shaft no 10. All mentioned suspects will appear in the Brits and Stilfontein Magistrate’s Courts respectively,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, once more commended the police for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit mining.
The Guardian 