The SAPS seized some mining equipment at Sabie Informal Settlements on Thursday, however, no arrests were made.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the seizing was done by a multidisciplinary team comprising various police units deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi.

He says this time around, the team’s focus was on Sabie, where illegal mining activities are conducted.

“The police directed their attention specifically at Sabie Informal Settlements, which are said to be highly concentrated with suspected illegal miners’ equipment and shacks. A total of 36 phendukas, eight gas bottles, five gas regulators and a cutting torch were seized during this time,” explains Mdhluli.

He adds no one was arrested, because upon the police’s arrival, a number of suspected illegal miners are said to have fled into the bushy riverbanks.

Mdhluli says they will continue these disruptive activities until they put a complete end to illegal mining activities everywhere in the province.