Police seize mining equipment in Sabie
The police will continue to disrupt illegal mining activities through Operation Vala Umgodi, until they put an end to it.
The SAPS seized some mining equipment at Sabie Informal Settlements on Thursday April 4, however, no arrests were made.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the seizing was done by a multidisciplinary team comprising different police units deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi.
ALSO READ: Nine people arrested in Schoemanskloof in connection with illegal mining
He said this time around, the team’s focus was on Sabie, where illegal mining activities are allegedly conducted. “The police directed their attention specifically at Sabie Informal Settlements, which are said to be highly concentrated with suspected illegal miners’ equipment and shacks. A total of 36 phendukas, eight gas bottles, five gas regulators and a cutting torch were seized during this time,” said Mdhluli.
ALSO READ: Illegal mining equipment seized in Pilgrim’s Rest, six arrested
He also said no one was arrested, because upon the police’s arrival, a number of suspected illegal miners are said to have fled into the bushy riverbanks. Hence, the seizure of some equipment that’s believed to have been used for illegal mining activities. They will continue these disruptive activities until they put a complete end to illegal mining activities everywhere in the province.
