Police in Limpopo have arrested two suspects aged 25 and 31 in Giyani for possession of suspected precious metals (concentrated gold dust) following an intelligence-driven operation conducted from Monday, 20 November until the early hours of Tuesday.
The members of Mopani Illegal Task team followed up on the information on a group of suspects who allegedly deal with precious metals.
The information led the team to a secluded area in the bushes near Mapuve mining area. One suspect was arrested and the others evaded arrest by fleeing on foot. During the arrest, Police confiscated a bag containing suspected precious minerals.
Police also seized the mining equipment which were abandoned by the suspects such as wielding machine, wheel barrow, electrical cable and conveyor belts.
The other 31- year-old suspect was apprehended in the same area while engaging in the same criminal activity. He found in possession of a bag containing suspected precious minerals. Police further confiscated some mining equipment.
” We are committed to combating illegal mining operations, taking decisive actions to address this issue and uphold the rule of law ,”said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe
“Public safety and the protection of natural resources remain our top priorities in this endeavour. We still urge the community to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining to assist us in our efforts to maintain a safe and lawful environment,” added Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe
The two suspects are expected to appear before Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, facing charges of possession of suspected precious minerals.