Four undocumented Mozambican nationals aged between 17 and 39 are expected to appear before Sabie Magistrate’s Court today for the Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa and alleged conducting illegal mining activities.
The suspects were arrested in Sabie on Monday, 16 September after police received a tip-off that a group of people were conducting illegal mining activities in Simile, Sabie.
Police responded by conducting an operation where a large group of people was spotted on the illegal mining site. According to police, most of the suspects managed to evade arrest, but four were cornered.
READ | 15 illegal miners arrested
Illegal mining equipment and gold bearing materials were also seized during the operation.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the illegal mining activities around the province. “Apart from illegal extracting of precious metals, we are really concerned about the safety of those who are involved in these unsafe sites and the infighting amongst different groups that at times lead to the lost of lives,” said the General.
