Suspects lined up during an anti-illicit mining operation.
Image: Supplied
Police in Mpumalanga have continued disruptive operations targeting illicit mining in the Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie and Graskop areas, resulting in several arrests and fines over the recent Easter festive period.
The latest operation, conducted between Sunday and Monday, April 5 and 6, in Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest, led to the arrest of three undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 26 and 46 years. According to police, the suspects are facing charges related to Contraventions of the Immigration Act of South Africa. In addition, six fines were issued for Contraventions of the Road Traffic Act.
Equipment used in illegal mining activities confiscated by police during operations.
Image: Supplied
Earlier, on Saturday, April 4, an operation in the Pilgrim’s Rest area, including Newscom and Majaks, resulted in the arrest of seven undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 19 and 43 years. Police said the suspects are facing charges of possession of gold-bearing material, possession of gold-bearing equipment and Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
During the operation, police seized various items, including gold-bearing material, pendukas and other equipment used in illicit mining activities. The suspects are expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Tuesday, April 7.
On Thursday, April 2, an operation between Sabie and Graskop led to the arrest of 22 undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 53 years. The suspects face charges related to Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa and are also expected to appear before the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 7.
During this same operation, four fines were issued for Contraventions of the Road Traffic Act, while two additional fines were issued for Contraventions of the Liquor Act.