Extensive illegal mining operations driven by SAPS

MODIKWA – The successful operations follows the apprehension of twelve (12) illegal miners at Modikwa mountain under Driekop policing area. The members of the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team were informed about illegal activities at the premise and jointly operationalized on the information together with the Public Order Policing (POPS), Bodikwa Protection Service, Phothoma Security Company and SSG Security Airwing.

The suspects allegedly saw a convoy of motor vehicles approaching from a distance, and started to run away in different directions while others went inside the unsafe tunnels. Diligence and commitment from the Law Enforcement Agencies led to swift arrest of five (05) undocumented foreign nationals and seven (07) South African suspects at the crime scene. Amongst the suspects two are females.

During the arrest, more than four hundred thousand rands (R400 000-00) of illegal mining equipment were confiscated that include; 27 Generators, 24 Jackhammers, 03 Spades, 11 Shovels, 03 Wheelbarrows and 09 Electrical Extensions. The suspects aged between 18 and 48 will appear before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of illegal mining and Contravention of Immigration Act.