Sekhukhune District joint operation nabs two males during illegal combating mining operation
The members Groblersdal Public Order Policing Unit (POPS), Sekhukhune District, Mecklenburg and Apel police have arrested two suspects who were found loitering at Ga-Phasha village under Mecklenburg precinct on Wednesday 30 August 2023.
The suspects aged between 22 and 38 were apprehended after an illegal mining combating operation was executed following a tip-off of suspects who were mining chrome next to the mountain in the vicinity.
Police immediately rushed to the area and upon arrival, the suspects managed to flee into different directions to evade being apprehended and climbed on top of the mountain.
Afterwards, police confiscated 23 wheelbarrows and 5 drill beats that were left at the crime scene by the illegal miners. Police operations continued in the area and two males were spotted while loitering in the area.
The duo were searched and interrogated about their presence in the area and later discovered that they are illegal immigrants. They were immediately placed under arrest for Contravention of Immigration Act.
Further police investigations will be conducted to determine if the suspects were not involved in the illegal mining activities in the area.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate court on Thursday, 31 August 2023 facing charges of Contravention of the Immigration Act.
Source: South African Police Service