Disruptive SAPS operations close the net on illegal miners

ATOK/DENNILTON – A 52 year-old man was nabbed for possession of suspected stolen chrome at Atok Village within the Mecklenburg policing precinct on Monday, 10 March.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said the arrest came after members of the Vala Umgodi operations received positive information about illegal mining activities at the village.

Ledwaba indicated that police successfully followed the leads, which resulted in the arrest of the man. “The suspect was found driving a white truck with two trailers loaded with suspected stolen raw minerals. The truck, two trailers and chrome were confiscated and registered at the local police station,” explained Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the members for their dedication while performing their respective duties.

Meanwhile, following a significant similar operation conducted on Saturday, 8 March, respectively in Dennilton and Thohoyandou, five suspects were arrested.

Ledwaba informed that police were on a disruptive operation when they spotted a group of people loading sand in a white Hino truck at Ten Morgan Village in Dennilton.

“The police allegedly approached them and they failed to produce a valid mining permit. Four suspects aged between 38 and 48 were immediately arrested for illegal mining of sand. Their truck and three shovels were seized,” explained Ledwaba.