SAPS clamp down on illegal miners

NELSPRUIT – Police in Ermelo disrupted an illegal mining operation which resulted in 271 suspected illegal miners being arrested. The report indicates that a total number of 30 Zimbabwean nationals, 92 Mozambican nationals, 11 Kingdom of Eswatini nationals as well as 138 South African nationals were arrested to that effect.

The police from Gert Sibande District led an operation which comprised of different police disciplines that included, Ermelo SAPS, SAPS National Intervention Unit, Ermelo K9, SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs and local security companies.

The team managed to confiscate one front loader, three trucks, six bakkies, wheelbarrows and other implements which are believed to be used in the illegal mining operations. The trucks and bakkies were reportedly loaded with coal.