The tools, which were destroyed at a scrap yard in Steelpoort, were confiscated from troublesome illegal mining sites in the Burgersfort area.

The Tactical Joint Operational Centre team, SAPS 13 Exhibit Management, the Local Criminal Record Centre and Provincial Pro-Active Policing and Frontline Management Services supervised the Burgersfort police during the crushing of the equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Masekela Magoro, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, revealed that the equipment included 50 generators, 40 jackhammers, 15 picks, 35 shovels and spades and 30 wheelbarrows.

All the equipment was seized during the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations.

Magoro stated that crushing the equipment sought to prevent any possibility of re-use in illegal mining activities.