Nine Mozambican nationals arrested in Mpumalanga illegal mining raid - IOL

Nine suspected illegal miners are arrested in Mashobodo, near Ngodwana, with police also recovering mining implements and chemicals suspected to have been used to refine gold-bearing material.

The police have announced that nine illegal miners have been arrested in Mashobodo, near Ngodwana in Mpumalanga.

The nine, foreign nationals from Mozambique, were arrested during the intelligence-driven Operation Vala Umgodi targeting illegal mining activities in the area.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga, with similar operations expected to continue in areas including Barberton, Sabie and Pilgrim’s.

"Police are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects in the country," Mdhluli said.

"During the operation, police also recovered pendukas (mining implements), and some chemicals suspected to be used to refine gold-bearing material."

Mdhluli said the men are facing charges related to illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material.

"The nine are expected to appear at court in due course."

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise said the latest arrests demonstrate the police’s continued commitment to tackling illegal mining in the province.

"We continue to unsure the utilisation of all available resources in dealing with illegal mining," she said.

"Similar operations will continue to be carried out, not only in Mashobodo, but also in other areas, including Barberton, Sabie, Pilgrim's Rest, etc. We urge the public not to harbour illegal miners whose activities have harmful repercussions for the environment and the livelihoods of residents."

Earlier this week, IOL also reported that four suspected illegal miners remain behind bars after a joint security operation at Beatrix mine in the Free State caught them conducting unlawful surface mining and led to the seizure of more than 184kg of suspected gold-bearing material.

The four men, aged between 28 and 36, were arrested during Operation Prosper at Shaft 2’s rock dump in Theunissen on Friday, September 25.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said police, SANDF and mine security carried out the operation at about 10.35 pm.

“During the operation, the team found four males conducting unlawful surface mining activities,” Thabana said.