Suspects nabbed for possession of drugs and illegal mining

GROBLERSDAL/BURGESRFORT – The prompt response of the Limpopo Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary forces resulted in the arrest of four suspects involved in drug dealing and illegal mining in Sekhukhune district with chrome valued at over R1 million as well as an excavator confiscated.

The operations were conducted on Sunday, 19 January following receipt of credible information from community members.

The task team acted on a tip-off regarding a drug dealer operating at the Groblersdal Taxi Rank. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said the team’s 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, a plastic bag containing dagga and R656 in cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of the drugs.

Ledwaba added that another 56 year-old man was arrested at the same taxi rank for possession of four packs of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes.

He indicated that further investigations led the team to Spitskop 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 using an excavator. A total of 13 loads of chrome, with an estimated value of R1 058 560 were confiscated. The excavator was also confiscated,” explained Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the joint efforts of the police and community members in combating crime.

The suspects are expected to appear before their respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.