A clampdown on illegal mining in Ermelo saw the arrest of 271 people, with almost half of them being from neighbouring countries, as well as several pieces of equipment and vehicles suspected to have been used in the mining operation.

Amongst the people arrested were 30 Zimbabwean citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland as well as 138 South Africans.

It is suspected that the suspects from neighbouring countries might not have the proper documentation to be in the country legally.

Police confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies, loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pickaxes and forks.

According to Captain Carla Prinsloo, Ermelo police spokesperson, the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs and security companies.

The group of suspects were charged with illegal mining and further investigation will be conducted with the Department of Home Affairs to determine the foreign nationals’ legality in the country.

They are expected to appear in Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on October 17.