LIMPOPO – The Hawks' persistence in fighting the scourge of illegal mining in Limpopo Province is continuing to yield good results following the arrest of 6 alleged illegal miners aged between 22 and 68 at Batavia farm in Dwaalboom policing area.
Through the intelligence gathered, the Polokwane based Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Illegal Mining Task Team, SAPS -Waterberg District and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy conducted a disruptive operation at the farm on 10 August 2023.
When the team arrived, suspected illegal miners were found busy processing gold bearing material. The permit was asked but the suspects failed to produce one, as a result they were immediately placed under arrest.
During the operation, the team managed to seize mining equipment including 6 jack hammers, 4 generators, 3 motor pressure pumps, 2 spades, 1 grinder, 2 welding machines, 1 electric extension cord, 6 hammers, 1 shovel, 2 saws, 2 pangas, 2 bobejaan spanners, 3 spanners, 4 drillbits, and 1 pick with the estimated value of over R215 450-00.
All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate's Court on, 14 August 2023 to face charges relating to illegal mining.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender has promised to eradicate illegal mining activities in the Province by extremely dealing with illegal miners in accordance with the law.