Two nabbed for illegal mining

Brenden McDonald (29) and Fhunin Li (44) appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Friday, after they were arrested for alleged Contravention of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) in Belfast on Tuesday.

Information provided by the Crime Intelligence Structure led to a multi-disciplinary operation that yielded positive results.

The team comprised of members of the SAPS, attached to Mpumalanga Operation Vala Umgodi, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Department of Agriculture Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) as well as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The information was operationalised and during execution of their duties, it was established that the mine was operating without the DMRE permit.

As a result, the two suspects, who identified themselves as supervisors, were apprehended.

The duo were charged for conducting illegal mining activities and theft of granite.

During their arrest, mining equipment, including a light delivery vehicle, were confiscated for further investigation.

The two suspects were granted bail of R10 000 each during their court appearance.

Meanwhile the investigation is ongoing with a hope to locate the owners of the mining site.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest.
The General emphasised that Operation Vala Umgodi continues to bear fruit in battling illegal mining activities in the province.