Three suspects, aged between 39 and 54, have been arrested for illegal mining of sand and presumed gold-bearing materials in the Mopani District. The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the Vala Umgodi Task Team during the early hours of Tuesday, 04 February 2025, until late in the evening, in Mapuve Village, under the Ritavi policing area.
The operation, which involved multidisciplinary forces, took place along the Klein Letaba River at the Suduza Mhinga Bridge. During the operation, a TLB was found operating at a sand mining site. Investigations revealed that the two individuals operating the machinery, aged 39 and 49, did not possess the necessary permits to mine. Both suspects were arrested on the spot.
The team continued the operation with further intelligence and proceeded to Ritavi River, where another suspect was found processing gold-bearing minerals. The 54-year-old male, a Lesotho national, was found to be in the country illegally and was additionally charged with contravention of the Immigration Act.
The following items were seized during the operation:
– 2kg bag of presumed gold-bearing materials
– 1 spade
– 1 blue plastic basin
The arrested suspects will soon appear before the respective Magistrate’s Court.
Three suspects arrested for illegal mining of sand and gold-bearing materials in Mopani District https://t.co/0qwuTeUKWh#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/zB1zK7jaSG
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 6, 2025
