LIMPOPO - The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is determined to eradicate illegal mining activities by continuously conducting disruptive operations in the affected areas. This follows a successful joint disruptive operation that resulted in the arrest of three (3) suspected illegal miners at Bohalatladi in Apel policing area on the evening of 23 January 2023.

The operation was spearheaded by the Limpopo Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation members assisted by National Intervention Unit (NIU) based in Pretoria.

When the team pounced on the suspects, they were found busy with their illegal activities and immediately placed under arrest.

During the operation, two (2) large excavators, one (1) 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.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender has commended the team for a job well done. "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". Major General Govender concluded.

Source: South African Police Service