The the Vala Umgodi Task Team in Limpopo has arrested four foreign nationals, including suspected zama zama kingpins, at a farm in the Mopani district.
The arrests followed a well-coordinated operation carried out by the Mopani District Vala Umgodi Task Team, with support from the Tactical Joint Operational Center (TACJOC) detectives and Airwing Drone Pilots.
TARGETTING ILLEGAL MINING
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the joint operation was executed yesterday afternoon at a compound farm along the R71 near Tarentaalrand.
"The operation targeted illegal activities linked to the processing of presumed gold materials.As a result of the operation, four males aged between 35 and 46 were arrested. Two of these individuals are suspected to be the main kingpins behind the illegal mining activities. One of the suspects was found to be in the country without the necessary documentation," said Mashaba.
SEIZURE
Mashaba said during the operation, police seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of minerals.
"These include 06 x 50 kg containers with carbon ashes presumed to be precious minerals 02 x 9 kg, gas bottles, 01 x 3 kg container of nitric acid full,
01 x 40 kg container of sulfuric acid 98% (full), 01 x 33-litre container of nitric acid (quarter full, 55%-60%), 02 x 14 kg Air Liquid industrial oxygen cylinders, 02 x gauges with pipe and one (1) cutting nozzle, 01 x cutting nozzle, bunches of steel wool."
He added, "Furthermore, two vehicles, a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz, both with Gauteng registration plates, believed to be belonging to the two suspected kingpins were seized." He said the four suspects will face charges related to the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials, as well as an additional charge for contravention of the Immigration Act and are expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate?s Court tomorrow.
