Limpopo – Three suspected illegal miners were arrested at Bohalatladi in Apel policing area in Limpopo on Monday evening after being found in possession of equipment worth over R3.5 million.
The operation was spearheaded by the Limpopo Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members assisted by National Intervention Unit (NIU) based in Pretoria.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke, the suspects were found partaking in illegal activities and were immediately placed under arrest.
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“During the operation, two large excavators, one tipper truck and large chrome stockpile with an estimated value of over R3.5 million were confiscated. All the three accused persons aged 29, 45 and 47 are expected to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court on 25 January 2023,” Maluleke said in a statement.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender commended the team for their service.
“I appreciate the excellent execution of the operation and its successes. The team must be applauded for tenacity and commitment to fight the scourge of illegal mining,” Govender said.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
