MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The multi-disciplinary and crime intelligence driven “Vala Umgodi” operations conducted between Friday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 20 pounced on 71 illegal immigrants and eight illegal miners in Hebron and Rustenburg respectively.
In Hebron, five illegal miners, all men between the ages of 18 and 40 were arrested on Friday afternoon, February 16 after information was operationalised, resulting in the discovery of an illegal wash plant at Bangladesh section.
Lovemore Sithole (40), John Sithole (34), Shadrack Mhlanga (32), Lazarus Sithole(20) and Matthew Sithole (18) appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ court on Monday, February 19 and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance before the same court on March 5 2024. Equipment as well as gold bearing material were confiscated by the police.
In a second operation conducted on Tuesday, February 20 in Kroondal, Rustenburg, 71 Illegal immigrants (21 men and 50 females) were arrested as well as three illegal miners (all men) between the ages of 18 and 54.
The Lesotho and Mozambique foreign nationals, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February
Only four could pay the fine and the other 12 remained in custody, whilst one immigrant was deported. The 54 Illegal immigrants were remanded in custody until their next court appearances before the same court between February 26 and March 6 2024.
The three men, charged with illegal mining, Poncho Motlalepula (26), Petros Mosia (41) and Andries Madire (44) were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Thursday, February 29.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the team for their dedication which resulted in the arrests and seizures, which he said will serve as a warning that the police, working with other stakeholders, will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.
