Seventeen suspects are expected to appear before the Secunda Magistrate's Court today charged with various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, Mpumalanga police said.
Aged between 26 and 62, the suspects are due to appear in court on Monday, 18 August, following their arrest on Friday.
They were arrested during a successful intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Secunda.
The suspects were charged with various offences, including possession of gold bearing material, as well as possession of illegal mining equipment.
“During the operation, dedicated law enforcement members apprehended the suspects for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by police to combat illicit mining. Illicit mining equipment was confiscated.
“The detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi said he was grateful to the team for the exceptional efforts displayed in curbing illegal mining activities in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
