LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is determined to fight the scourge of illegal mining in the Province by conducting continuous disruptive operations in affected areas.

To display determination, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team, Provincial Organised Crime, Local Criminal Record Centre and Department of Home Affairs conducted a multidisciplinary disruptive operation that resulted in the successful arrest of five suspected illegal miners aged between 30 and 62 at Muchipisi Offspring Old Shaft Mine in Malamulele on 16 January 2023.

During the operation, members managed to seize illegal mining equipment including generators, compressors, wheelbarrows, gold weighing scale, spade, shovels, gas cylinder and bags containing gold bearing material estimated to the value of R65 420-00.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate court today,17 January 2023 to face illegal mining charges. More disruptive operations are still going to be conducted.

Source: South African Police Service