KEY POINTS
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Three illegal miners arrested in a joint operation in Limpopo.
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Authorities seize mining equipment worth R16 million in the operation.
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The suspects will face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.
Police in Limpopo have arrested three alleged illegal miners, aged 28 to 48, during a joint operation led by the Hawks.
The Hawks confirmed the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday during a joint operation. SAPS Waterberg’s illegal mining task team, the local criminal record center, and the tactical response team were involved. The operation took place in Zwartkop, Thabazimbi, targeting illegal mining activities.
Authorities seized eight excavators, valued at over R16 million, during the raid.
Suspects face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to face charges. They are charged with illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act, according to police reports.
The Hawks emphasized that their operations targeting illegal mining in Limpopo are ongoing and will continue to intensify.
In a related incident, the Hawks arrested three individuals in Gauteng, including a father and son duo. These suspects were connected to the possession of gold, platinum, and cash worth around R10.2 million.
Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for the Hawks in Gauteng, confirmed the arrest took place at Crownwood Office Park. Two of the suspects were intercepted in their vehicles as part of a thorough investigation.
Hawks continue crackdown on illegal mining in South Africa
Initial investigations revealed that the facility was operating as an unauthorized gold dealership with expired permits.
The site was found to contain significant quantities of gold and platinum ingots, worth around R5 million, as well as over R5 million in cash.
The suspects, aged 22, 62, and 24, were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, facing charges of illegally possessing and trafficking gold and second-hand jewelry without the necessary permissions.
