The area of Mutakari in Vhembe District, known for being problematic in terms of illegal mining of sand activities, was dealt a serious blow following the apprehension of 11 suspects by a strong team of law enforcement agencies on Friday 28 June 2024.
The multidisciplinary team comprising of members from various police units, SANDF and other role players under Operation Vala Umgodi received a tip-off about illegal mining in progress and loading of sand in Matangari village under SAPS Mutale policing precinct.
The team operationalised the information and proceeded to the crime scene where 11 suspects, aged between 18 and 54, were caught in the act of mining sand illegally. The suspects were placed under arrest. The team confiscated three tipper trucks and six shovels.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, applauded the industrious work carried out by the teams involved in the arrest of the suspects and further said, “these illegal mining activities are destroying the economy of the province while also putting lives of the communities at risk,” concluded General Hadebe.
The arrested suspects will appear before Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday 01 July 2024.
Eleven suspects were nabbed for illegal mining in the Vhembe District https://t.co/cBL6LZF2fY#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Operation @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/OYfE9f4J1f
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 30, 2024