Staff Reporter
In an effort to protect the lives of residents in Limpopo, South African police have launched an operation targeting illegal mining activities and have since apprehended 19 suspects for their involvement in illegal mining in the region.
Speaking to SABC, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Commissioner General of Limpopo Police, stated that the operation commenced at midnight with a surveillance team. The team’s early efforts have already resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals linked to illegal mining.
During the operation, authorities have also discovered numerous stockpiles and confiscated various equipment, including a brand-new tipper and excavator.
“We started around 12:00 midnight with the surveillance team that started earlier. We have already arrested 19 suspects in connection with illegal mining and we have identified many stockpiles, a brand new tipper and a brand new excavator among other equipment. We are going to continue doing a great job.” Hadebe affirmed.
General Hadebe also emphasized the importance of the police intelligence team’s involvement in identifying and shutting down the market associated with these illegal operations.
“Our intelligence still need to get down on the ground we need to identify and shut down the market associated with these illegal operations it’s a matter of urgency that we are making sure that the residents are safe.
Their safety is our priority” She added.
