Limpopo SAPS continues to fight illegal mining
GA MATHABATHA
The Malipsdrift SAPS and the Vala Umgodi Task Team, arrested four male suspects, including two foreign nationals aged between 34 and 52, for possession of suspected stolen minerals (chrome) and possession of illegal mining implements.
The arrests was made on Monday, 18 November 2024 at Ga Mathabatha, Mabowe Park.
The police received a complaint regarding a white Volvo truck with Gauteng registration numbers with two occupants, suspected of loading Chrome at Mabowe Park, and they rushed to the crime scene.
“Before they could arrive, they spotted a truck traveling from Mabowe Park driving towards Leporogong Cross at R37. When they attempted to stop the truck, the driver sped off. They chased the truck until it reached Mashite Cross. They activated backup, and the Vala Umgodi Team quickly intervened, and two suspects aged 34 and 52 were immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen minerals (chrome),” said Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said along the way, before reaching Lebowakgomo, the Vala Umgodi Task Team noticed a suspicious silver Nissan bakkie parked outside the road with two occupants. They requested to search them and discovered the illegal equipment and R40,000 in cash inside the bakkie.
The suspects were arrested after failing to explain why they had such money and the implements. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Nissan bakkie was escorting the white truck.The truck, Nissan bakkie, and minerals (chromes) were seized. The net worth of the chrome has not yet been determined.
Four suspects are expected to appear before Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of suspected stolen minerals and possession of illegal mining implements. Police investigations are ongoing.
