South African authorities have arrested nearly 20 suspected illegal miners, including 11 foreign nationals, in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Nearly 20 suspected illegal miners, including 11 foreign nationals , have been arrested at an abandoned mine in Mpumalanga. The suspects, aged between 22 and 39, were apprehended by officers of the South Africa n Police Service (Saps), with assistance from the South Africa n National Defence Force (SANDF).
Among the arrested suspects, 11 are foreign nationals whilst eight are South Africans, and they were nabbed after members from crime intelligence received information about illegal mining activities being carried out in an abandoned mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said. One of the suspects was found in possession of a firearm while out on parole after a previous murder conviction. The items seized from the suspects include a shotgun, revolver, 303 Rifle, about 32 live ammunition, as well as one cartridge case. Several have also been charged with contravention of the Immigration Act, as they were in South Africa unlawfully. Their hard work paid off as firearms, as well as explosives and other equipment used in illegal mining activities, were confiscated, said Mkhwanazi. In Limpopo, nine suspects were apprehended in Thohoyandou on Christmas Eve, 24 December. In a township under the Thohoyandou policing area, where five undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 20 and 30, were arrested. While continuing the operation along the R524 road near Manini Village, officers stopped a suspicious vehicle carrying three men. Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered a 9mm pistol in the possession of the driver. The driver was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. One of the passengers was also found to be undocumented and was charged under the Immigration Act, Limpopo police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng said. Thakeng added that two more undocumented individuals, aged 24 and 27, were apprehended further along the R524 road, near Phangame Shopping Centre
Illegal Mining Arrests Foreign Nationals South Africa Police
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
26 Illegal Miners Resurfaced in North West, Three Trapped Miners DiedIllegal mining operation in Stilfontein, North West, leads to the rescue of 26 miners, with three losing their lives. The operation is suspected to be run by armed individuals.
Read more »
Another 20 Illegal Miners Resurface in South Africa's StilfonteinPolice confirmed the emergence of 20 illegal miners from the Margaret Shaft in Stilfontein, bringing the total rescued since August 18 to nearly 1,300. A task team is working to remove zama zamas from the deep shaft where some have been stuck for weeks.
Read more »
Three Illegal Miners Killed in Shoot-Out with Police in South AfricaA deadly exchange of gunfire between suspected illegal miners and law enforcement officers in Sabie, Mpumalanga, resulted in three deaths. Two AK-47 rifles and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition were seized, with one police officer injured.
Read more »
Illegal Miners in South Africa Report Multiple Deaths from Hunger and DehydrationIllegal miners trapped in a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, have reported at least six deaths from hunger and dehydration. Police have cut off supplies as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, while community activists blame the police for the deaths.
Read more »
Illegal Miners in South Africa Report Multiple Deaths Due to Hunger and DehydrationIllegal miners in an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein are facing dire conditions, with reports of several deaths due to lack of food and water. Police have cut off supplies in an attempt to force the miners out, leading to a court-ordered humanitarian aid effort.
Read more »
Fifteen Thousand Illegal Miners Arrested in South AfricaSince the start of Operation Vala Umgodi, fifteen thousand zama zamas have been arrested in a police crackdown on illegal mining across seven provinces. Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola vowed to continue the operation, which included a recent visit to a mine shaft in Sabie where over 100 illegal miners are trapped underground.
Read more »