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Eight suspected illegal miners, known as zama zamas, have been arrested in Limpopo, following an investigation by the Hawks.
The miners, aged 31 to 65, were allegedly exploiting illegally in the villages of Hlaneki, Mapuve and Mavalani, outside Giyani, when they were arrested on Thursday.
The Hawks, along with other law enforcement and government agencies, carried out an operation focused on illegal mining in all three villages.
READ | 3 suspected illegal miners arrested with gold processing equipment worth R5m
A generator, hoses, saws, power cords, hammers, 9mm live ammunition, gold nuggets, bags filled with gold-containing material, fendukas, a grinder and other equipment were confiscated, said Hawks spokesman Capt. Matimba Maluleke.
“The confiscated assets have not yet been valued, but are expected to reach millions. The suspects were found processing gold when they were detained,” added Maluleke.
The Hawks’ provincial chief, Major General Thobeka Jozi, welcomed the arrests and assured the public that the police would continue to decisively deal with illegal mining in the province.
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