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Eight suspects were arrested for illegal mining by the Priority Crime Investigation Directorate (DPCI) in Limpopo on Thursday after they were caught processing gold.
Police also confiscated equipment and material believed to be worth millions of rand.
The suspects, aged 31 to 65, were due to appear before the Giyani trial court on Friday for violating the Precious Metals Act.
They are alleged to have mined illegally in the villages of Hlaneki, Mapuve and Mavalani, outside Giyani.
“The Hawks, SAPS Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Register Center, Explosives Unit, Crime Intelligence, Air Wing, K9, SANDF, internal affairs department, resources department minerals and energy, Water & Saneitation department conducted simultaneous disruptive operations focused on illegal mining in the three villages, where the integrated team confiscated a generator, hoses, saws, electric cables, hammers, 9mm live ammunition, gold nuggets, bags full of gold-containing material, pendukas, grinder and a gas application.
“The confiscated assets have not yet been valued, but they are expected to reach millions. The suspects were found processing gold when they were detained, ”said Limpopo police.
Limpopo DPCI Provincial Chief Maj. Gen. Thobeka Jozi welcomed the arrests and assured the public that the police will continue to step up operations to “decisively deal with illegal mining that is contributing to serious and violent crime in the province.” .
-TimesLIVE
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