Hawks arrest 5 in Limpopo illegal chrome mining crackdown
The Hawks have arrested five suspects in Thabazimbi for alleged illegal chrome mining and environmental offences.
LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, with another coordinated operation disrupting suspected unlawful chrome mining activities in the Thabazimbi policing area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, aged between 43 and 50, who now face charges of illegal mining and related environmental offences.
Multi-agency operation
The suspects were arrested this week by the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation team working in collaboration with:
- Thabazimbi Saps
- Hoopdal Saps
- Dwaalboom Saps
- The Thabazimbi Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC)
- Officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR)
Ongoing investigation
The arrests follow an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal chrome mining. Acting on information received and subsequent verification conducted by the relevant regulatory authority, the multidisciplinary team executed a disruptive operation at the identified mining site.
Preliminary investigations revealed that mining activities were conducted in contravention of applicable environmental and mining legislation.
Charges laid
Following the verification process, the five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining and contravention of Section 24F(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).
Court appearance
The suspects are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (July 14).
Illegal mining is not a victimless crime
The provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender, applauded the coordinated efforts of all participating law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders, saying their collaboration demonstrates the collective resolve to combat crimes that threaten South Africa’s economy and natural resources.
“Illegal mining is not a victimless crime. It strips the country of its mineral wealth, damages the environment and fuels criminality. Those who choose to profit through unlawful mining activities must know that the Hawks, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify, investigate and bring offenders before the courts to account for their actions,” said Govender.
