In a significant crackdown on illegal sand mining, law enforcement agencies apprehended 11 suspects in the Mutakari area on Friday, June 28, 2024. The arrests were made by a multidisciplinary team as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
The operation involved members from various police units, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and other stakeholders. Acting on a tip-off about illegal mining activities in Matangari village, located within the SAPS Mutale policing precinct, the team swiftly moved to the crime scene.
Upon arrival, the law enforcement officers caught the suspects, aged between 18 and 54, in the act of illegally mining sand. The team immediately placed the suspects under arrest and confiscated three tipper trucks and six shovels used in the mining operation.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the diligent efforts of the team involved in the operation. "These illegal mining activities are destroying the economy of the province while also putting the lives of the communities at risk," said General Hadebe. She emphasized the importance of such operations in protecting both the environment and the local economy.
The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 1, 2024, to face charges related to illegal mining.
The crackdown on illegal sand mining in Mutakari serves as a stern warning to those engaged in such activities. Authorities remain committed to enforcing the law and protecting natural resources from exploitation. The successful operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between different law enforcement agencies and the importance of community involvement in reporting illegal activities.
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