.jpeg)
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo remains steadfast in its commitment to combat illegal mining activities. Through co-ordinated efforts, the law enforcement agencies led by Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, are intensifying operations to dismantle illegal mining operations, thus ensuring the rule of law, safeguarding resources, promoting lawful economic activities and enhancing public safety.
Together with relevant stakeholders, such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Community Police Forum, Rural Safety, and Eyes and Ears Role-Players, SAPS continues to address this challenge to foster a secure and prosperous environment for all.
The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, descended on Sekhukhune district on Tuesday, 02 January 2024, accompanied by her management team and the above-mentioned stakeholders, as part of the Safer Festive Season Inspection Roadshow.
In preparation for the activities, the SAPS Sekhukhune illegal task team, together with SANDF joint task force embarked on a disruptive operation that commenced in the early hours across the district, which saw the arrests of 19 suspected illegal miners in Atok aged between 17 and 54 and the recovery and seizure of mining equipment as follows: 41 wheelbarrows, 14 generators, 13 Jackhammers, 7 pickaxes, 8 spades, 6 shovels, 2 hand hoes, and 4 electric cables. Among the suspects, four were arrested for possession of suspected stolen precious minerals (Chrome), 1 TLB, and a tipper truck confiscated.
Meanwhile the multi-disciplinary team also arrested 13 illegal miners in Ga-Phasha.
The Mayor of Fetakgomo/Tubatse Municipality, CIIr Eddy Maila, as well as the Provincial CPF Chairperson, Mr. Frans Kgasago, supported the activities. The Mayor applauded the SAPS members under the stewardship of Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe for their great work in combating crime in the area, especially illegal mining and for maintaining positive relationships with the community and relevant stakeholders, including his office.
The SANDF Joint Task Force Commander, Brigadier General, MP Sereko, called for intensified joint forces to deal with the issue of illegal mining and said that they would continue to provide all the necessary resources to assist the police rid the province of illegal mining.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, in her remarks, said she acknowledged and appreciated the collaborative effort, especially in Sekhukhune district, where there is a huge challenge of illegal mining that is now spreading to other districts. She said police are doing their best, especially since the establishment of the illegal task teams and the deployment of the SANDF joint task force.
"We need to hit hard on syndicates and kingpins, shut down the available markets, and protect our communities. We have intensified our operations, and I am confident that the net is closing on these criminals," said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
In addition, she highlighted the successes achieved during the disruptive operations conducted across the province from August 15, 2023, until December 31, 2023. A total of 220 suspects were arrested, and R126 732 564 worth of illegal mining equipment was seized.
The inspection tour was characterized by walk-abouts and air support patrol at the mining areas as well as community engagement at Tubatse Crossing mall.
In concluding the program, the local mayor and Provincial Commissioner addressed the multi-disciplinary forces duty off parade at Tubatse Crossing mall and urged them to continue in their concerted efforts in the fight against crime.
