Mpumalanga SAPS crack down on illegal activities in Sabie and surrounds
Thirty-two suspects, many of them undocumented immigrants, are facing multiple charges after a series of arrests across Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest and Graskop
Thirty-two illegal mining suspects were arrested in Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest and Graskop between Thursday, April 2, and Monday, April 6.
Twenty-two of them were undocumented immigrants arrested during an operation between Sabie and Graskop on Thursday. They face charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
During the same operation, four fines were issued for contravention of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, and two more for contravention of the Liquor Act 59 of 2003.
Seven undocumented foreigners were arrested in Pilgrim’s Rest on Saturday. They face charges of possession of gold-bearing material and illegal mining equipment, as well as contravention of the Immigration Act.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said gold-bearing material, pendukas and other equipment used in illicit mining activities were seized during the operation.
Three more undocumented immigrants were arrested between Sunday and Monday in Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest and Graskop. They also face charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 7. The outcomes of the proceedings were not available at the time of publication.
