Illegal mining equipment worth R800k seized at Ga Manyaka
During the operation, the members seized illegal mining equipment including generators, a tractor loader backhoe 86 wheelbarrows and11 jackhammers.
A suspected illegal miner (29) was arrested in Ga-Manyaka outside Burgersfort, and mining equipment worth over R800 000 was seized by the Hawks on May 20.
The suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary disruptive operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with the Lebowakgomo Local Criminal Record Centre, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
The suspect was mining without a permit. During the operation, the members seized illegal mining equipment including generators, a tractor loader backhoe valued at R700 000, 86 wheelbarrows and
11 jackhammers, worth over R800 000.
The Limpopo Hawks’ head, Major General Gopz Govender, said, ”We are determined to fight illegal mining in Limpopo by conducting continuous disruptive operations until all illegal miners are brought to book.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court soon to face illegal mining charges. According to the Hawks, more disruptive operations are still going to be conducted in Limpopo.
