Zimbabwean Teen Detained in Gold Mining
By:
K News
On
31/01/2024Reading time:
4 min
Summary:
A recent crackdown on illicit mining activities in Limpopo has resulted in the apprehension of 10 individuals in the past few days. This law enforcement effort is part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a police initiative aimed at curbing illicit mining and maintaining stability in mining areas. Notably, the majority of those arrested were identified as foreign nationals.
Image: Picture Perfect
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the provincial police spokesperson, provided details on the arrests. The first incident occurred on a Monday night in the Sekhukhune District, where seven men aged between 22 and 44 were apprehended. Among them, two male Mozambican nationals faced charges related to the contravention of immigration laws under the Mecklenburg policing area. Simultaneously, five male suspects from Zimbabwe were caught engaging in underground chrome mining during the late hours in Apel Village.
These individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. On the following day, a 17-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in Muchipisi Village while allegedly involved in underground gold mining. The young suspect is expected to face charges related to immigration violations, contravention of the Precious Metals Act, and involvement in illicit mining.
The Malamulele Magistrate's Court will preside over his case, with a court appearance anticipated soon. In connection with this arrest, law enforcement seized various mining equipment employed in illicit activities, including a generator, two water pumps, three jackhammers, a crowbar, three hammers, two shovels, and five bags of precious metals.
In a separate incident, two men were taken into custody for the illicit mining of sand, and they appeared in the Thabamoopo Magistrate's Court on a Monday. Following their arrest, the duo was granted bail, and their case was adjourned to the next month for further investigation.
The arrests underscore the commitment of law enforcement to addressing the pervasive issue of illicit mining in the region. Operation Vala Umgodi serves as a proactive measure to dismantle illegal mining operations and ensure the rule of law in mining communities. The involvement of foreign nationals in these activities emphasizes the transnational nature of illicit mining, requiring coordinated efforts to combat this criminal enterprise.
As legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how effective Operation Vala Umgodi will be in deterring future illicit mining activities in Limpopo.
Source: IOL
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