LIMPOPO – Illegal mining at the Xinaveni Old Shaft Mine in Mavalani village continues unabated, despite a series of police operations that have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of equipment used in these illicit activities.

Just last week, police arrested six individuals involved in illegal mining and confiscated several pieces of equipment. Less than a week later, officers conducted yet another operation at the same site, resulting in the arrest of an additional suspect and the recovery of more mining tools.

According to provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Masekela Magoro, the latest operation took place on Tuesday morning as part of a routine patrol by the Mopani District’s Vala Umgodi task team, a specialised unit established to clamp down on illegal mining.

“The officers arrived at the Xinaveni Old Shaft Mine at around 11:00 and found a group of individuals actively engaged in illegal mining,” said Magoro.

When the police moved in, the miners abandoned their makeshift equipment and fled in different directions to evade arrest. However, one suspect, a 31-year-old man, was apprehended at the scene.

Officers seized tools that included two shovels, a pickaxe, and a metal strainer. Additional equipment, three shovels, a spade, and another pickaxe, was later recovered nearby, presumably left behind by those who escaped when they saw the police arrive.

Magoro said the suspect, along with the confiscated equipment, will form part of an ongoing investigation, which aims to dismantle networks believed to be financing and coordinating illegal mining operations in the area.

“This operation demonstrates the police’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting our natural resources from exploitation,” he said. “We remain resolute in our efforts to enforce the law, ensure the safety of communities, and uphold environmental integrity.”

Meanwhile, Xinaveni Old Shaft Mine has recently become a hotspot for illegal mining, with more illegal miners frequenting the site each day despite ongoing police raids. Some of these miners, who risk arrest daily in their pursuit of gold and other minerals, are believed to come from areas outside Greater Giyani Municipality.

The police say illegal mining poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to public safety, as abandoned shafts and unstable ground can lead to fatal accidents.

Some community members in the area have also expressed frustration that these activities persist despite visible law enforcement action.

They allege that illegal mining syndicates operate in organised groups, using lookouts and informal networks to warn of approaching police patrols. “If you happen to be in the area or just passing by, you will be treated as a suspicious person.

“They will question you about where you are going and turn you back if they’re not satisfied with your answer,” said one of the residents, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of being victimised.

Meanwhile, the police urge residents to report suspicious activities and any information that could assist with investigations. Magoro stressed that collaboration between law enforcement and the community is essential to ending illegal mining once and for all.

“We appeal to anyone with information to come forward so we can bring those responsible to justice,” he said.

While the Vala Umgodi task team plans to maintain a strong presence in the area, it remains to be seen whether sustained enforcement and community cooperation can finally put an end to the illegal mining that has plagued Mavalani for years.