Two kingpins in illegal mining arrested

Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested two suspected kingpins in illegal mining and who are allegedly linked to the buying and exporting of chrome to foreign countries during an intelligence driven operation executed in Mooihoek, Burgersfort on Thursday night.
The suspects, aged 40 and 62, are from Pretoria and Rustenburg respectively and are expected to appear before Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court today (Monday) on charges related to the contravention of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act and National Environmental Maintenance Act.
Police Spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said a high density operation comprising officials from the Department of Mineral Resources and Police was conducted along the R37 road between Lebowakgomo and Burgersfort, covering all identified sites in both clusters recently. Mojapelo said members of the unit followed a tipoff that led to the arrest of the two and the Police also confiscated a bakkie, laptops and other equipment.
During a recent intelligence driven operation conducted in Burgersfort, the Police confiscated mining machinery including excavators, a tractor loader backhoe and trucks as well as unprocessed chrome.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za