Two foreigners arrested for illegal mining

APEL

Two suspects appeared before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They faced charges of illegal mining and Contravention of the Immigration Act.
The suspects were arrested during joint operations that were conducted on Friday by the SAPS in Sekhukhune District, focussing on illegal mining.
The operations yielded positive results with the apprehension of the suspects and confiscation of mining equipment.
The operations were conducted in the areas along the R37 road and other areas under Apel policing precinct.
“Police pounced on the suspects who were illegally mining chrome on the mountain when they started to run towards the top of the mountain in large numbers. This after they saw the  SAPS approaching.
” Two undocumented foreign nationals were arrested at the scene, ” revealed Limpopo SAPS spokesman Col Mamphaswa Seabi.
Police seized equipment such as excavators, 17 generators, 19 jack hammers, 20 Litres of diesel, 20 litres of grease, two spotlights and a spade.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for these operations and warned all illegal miners to desist from engaging in these illegal activities as the operations to combat illegal mining will be intensified in all areas.

The case was postponed to October 23, SAPS investigation continues.