LIMPOPO – Three suspects between the ages of 30 and 40-years-old are expected to appear in court on Monday, 20 May, after they were arrested on Thursday 16 May, for charges related to illegal mining in Modikwa, near Burgersfort.
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According to a statement by provincial Hawks spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke, the suspects were apprehended during a joint disruptive operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation with the assistance of local police, the Department for Mineral Resources and Black Chrome mine securities.
“The trio were found mining at the shafts adjacent to where one of their associates was recently found dead by the mine’s security. The man reportedly died from a rock fall while illegally mining. Equipment, which included an excavator, stock piles of precious metals to the value of over R400 000 and a Mercedes Benz ML 350 AMG belonging to the suspects, were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court to face charges relating to illegal mining, unlawful possession of precious metal and defeating the ends of justice.
