LIMPOPO – A total of 14 men were arrested and suspected illegal mined chrome worth R15 million confiscated in Thabazimbi on Friday morning.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapleo said the members of the provincial Organized Crime Unit, assisted by detectives from Thabazimbi and security officers from a local mine arrested the men during an intelligence-driven operation at around 04:00.
“The members had followed up on information received about the illegal mining activities and in the process confiscated eight trucks with trailers that were laden with chrome. The value of the chrome is estimated around R15 000 000,” he added.
The accused, aged between 26 and 56, appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court today (Monday 17 August) on charges related to the contravention of the regulations under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act (illegal mining) and were remanded in custody. They are expected to appear again on 20 August.
Meanwhile three men who were arrested in July on charges of illegal mining were granted R1 000 bail by the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court, recently.
The trio, Tshegofatso Makwana (25), Chegofatso Komane (29) and Sipho Pilusa (43), were arrested in the Burgersfort area next to Modikwa Platinum mine on 28 July.
At the time Mojapleo said the police had reacted on information received about the illegal mining activity in area of Balotjaneng village. “Two excavators, a truck and stockpile of unprocessed chrome were confiscated and three men arrested. The total value of the items that were confiscated is estimated at around R6 million.”
They are expected back in court on 1 October.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba commended the members for their tireless efforts in stamping out these illegal activities and has also thanked community members for continuing to provide useful information to the police.
