Illegal mining enforcement efforts in Pilgrim’s Rest have resulted in 36 arrests following a coordinated multi-agency operation in Mpumalanga, reports Lowvelder.

A multi-disciplinary operation conducted between June 11 and 17 in the Majax and Nkanini areas led to the arrests of suspects as authorities intensified efforts to curb illegal mining and related criminal activity in the province.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 41, were arrested for alleged contravention of the Immigration Act of 2022. Additional charges include possession of gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment.

Local police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said: “Three fines were also issued for contravention of the Liquor Act and the Road Traffic Act.”

Various items believed to have been used in illegal mining activities were confiscated.

In a related development, law enforcement officers recovered suspected stolen industrial chemicals from a vehicle abandoned by its owner, who fled after a stop-and-search operation in the area.

A stolen vehicle was also recovered in KaBokweni, while two firearms were seized in the Masoyi area as part of linked follow-up operations.

Investigations are ongoing, with detectives working alongside the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.