Sting operation sees 21 suspected illegal miners arrested
The police have arrested 21 suspected zama zamas in one week.
A sting operation by the Mpumalanga police that took place between June 23 and 27 has resulted in 21 suspected illegal miners being arrested in Dientjie, Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie.
Last month, a police source told Lowvelder that Dientjie and Pilgrim’s Rest have become hotspots for illegal mining.
The operation was carried out by members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Visible Policing Component, alongside K9 units from Lydenburg, Standerton, Middelburg, Secunda, Ermelo and Komatipoort and crime prevention members from Ehlazeni District.
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The suspects are facing charges of possession of gold-bearing material and contravening the Immigration Act.
Accordingly, the police are working in collaboration with immigration and probation officers as some of the suspects are in the country unlawfully and eight are minors aged between 15 and 17.
Several items believed to have been used during the illegal mining activities, like oxygen cylinders, a generator, cutting torch, chains, spades, and stepladders, were seized by police.
