21 Foreign Nationals Arrested In Mpumalanga Illegal Mining Crackdown

Twenty-one foreign nationals have been arrested in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, during a police operation targeting illegal mining and crimes linked to the illicit extraction of gold.

The suspects were arrested between Monday and Wednesday and are facing charges that include illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, according to Mpumalanga police.

Police also discovered that the suspects allegedly did not have valid documentation authorising them to remain in South Africa.

Police Seize Gold-Bearing Material During Pilgrim’s Rest Operation

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said officers seized several quantities of material believed to contain gold during the operation.

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The haul included three 12.5kg bags and a 20-litre bucket of gold-bearing material (GBM).

Police also confiscated head torches, steel balls, a pick, shovels, water boots and electric motors, as well as three phendukas, equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining activities.

The suspects’ immigration status is now being investigated in cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs.

21 Arrested As Police Target Illegal Mining

The arrests form part of intensified operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities in the Pilgrim’s Rest area.

Police say the suspects face charges related to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and possession of gold-bearing equipment, while immigration-related charges are also expected to form part of the case.

Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Apaphia Modise said police would continue targeting illegal mining operations and confiscating equipment allegedly used in illicit activities.

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“We will continue to conduct operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities, seizing equipment used by illegal miners and bringing those involved to justice.

“We also urge communities to work with the police by providing information that can assist us in combating illicit mining and related crimes,” said Modise.

Illegal Mining Cases Headed For Pilgrim’s Rest Court

The 21 suspects are expected to appear before the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court, where they will face charges linked to the operation.

The cases are expected to include illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, as well as alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Modise said illegal mining contributes to other forms of criminality and threatens legitimate economic activity.

Police are continuing to work with other government departments as investigations into the suspects’ immigration status and alleged mining activities proceed.