The prompt response from Limpopo Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary forces led to the arrest of 20 suspects involved in illegal mining, drug dealing, and violations of immigration laws. In addition, chrome worth over R1 million was seized.
The operation, conducted on Sunday, 19 January 2025, followed credible information from the community.
In Sekhukhune District, the Task Team acted on a tip-off regarding a drug dealer operating at Groblersdal Taxi Rank. Their swift response led to the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect who was found in possession of 34 sachets of rock drugs, 36 sachets of Nyaope, 31 sachets of dagga, one plastic bag containing dagga and R656.00 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales. A 53-year-old male suspect was arrested at the same taxi rank for possession of four packs of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes.
Further investigations led the team to a Farm in Dithamaga Village, Burgersfort, where illegal mining activities were taking place. Two male suspects, aged 38 and 58, were apprehended for illegally mining chrome with an excavator. A total of 13 loads of chrome, with an estimated value of R1, 058,560.00, were confiscated. The excavator was also confiscated.
In separate operations across the Capricorn, Mopani, and Vhembe Districts, 15 individuals aged between 22 and 41 were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. These individuals were found to be in the country without the necessary documentation.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the joint efforts of the police and the community in combatting crime.
The suspects will appear before the respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.
Chrome worth over R1 Million seized during multi-disciplinary operations in Polokwane https://t.co/GFB3xp9Rtg#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Operation @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/fsG7QlbWcD
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 21, 2025
