Nine Mozambican nationals arrested for illegal mining in Mpumalanga

Nine Mozambican nationals have been arrested for alleged illegal mining activities in Mashobodo, Mpumalanga, as police continue their crackdown under Operation Vala Umgodi.

The nine men were arrested on Saturday, 3 October, after a multidisciplinary team acted on intelligence about a group of suspected illegal miners operating in the Mashobodo area.

Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and destabilise illegal mining activities in the province.

During the operation, officers recovered pendukas, mining implements and chemicals suspected to be used in the processing of gold-bearing material.

Police are working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to establish the immigration status of the arrested suspects.

The men are facing charges related to illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material. They are expected to appear in court in due course.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise said the arrests demonstrate SAPS's continued commitment to tackling illegal mining.

“As the SAPS, we continue to ensure the utilisation of all available resources in dealing with illegal mining,” Modise said.

He warned that similar operations would continue in Mashobodo and other areas, including Barberton, Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest.

The provincial commissioner also urged members of the public not to harbour illegal miners, saying their activities have harmful consequences for the environment and the livelihoods of residents.