The Sekhukhune District Vala Umgodi Task Team members have made several arrests and seized stolen minerals as well as equipment and vehicles used in illegal mining activities since the beginning of July.

Colonel Masekela Magoro, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said the suspect failed to produce a permit authorising the transportation of the mineral.

Magoro indicated that the driver was nabbed and charged with illegal transportation of minerals and illegal immigration. He added that four more men, aged between 27 and 45, were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act later that day in the same village.

It was further revealed that drivers of a TLB and a truck were apprehended at the Mogogwane River in Mamone, Sekwati Village, when the police found them mining sand illegally on June 5.

The team intercepted another truck along the R555 near Steelpoort, turning into Tukakgomo Village, and arrested three occupants for illegally mining sand.

• Five suspects were arrested for their involvement in illegal mining activities in Diphale Village on July 4.

• In Ga-Phasha Village, a credible tip-off about illegal mining activities led to the arrest of a 45-year-old tipper truck driver for illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act on July 3.

• Three other suspects were arrested at the same village, also on July 3, for illegal mining and violation of immigration laws.