Five men have been arrested for allegedly conducting illegal chrome mining in Limpopo following a multidisciplinary operation by the Hawks and several law enforcement agencies in the Thabazimbi policing area.
The suspects, aged between 43 and 50, face charges of alleged illegal mining and contravention of Section 24F(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).
According to police spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba the arrests were made this week by the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation team working with Thabazimbi SAPS, Hoopdal SAPS, Dwaalboom SAPS, the Thabazimbi Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).
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,” said Fumba.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that mining activities were being conducted in contravention of applicable environmental and mining legislation.
Following the verification process, the five suspects were arrested on charges of alleged illegal mining and contravention of the National Environmental Management Act, he said.
They are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender, commended the coordinated efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders, saying their collaboration demonstrated 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,” Govender said.
“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.”
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