Equipment used for illegal processing of gold-bearing materials.
Four foreign nationals arrested after the discovery of an illegal gold processing laboratory on Saturday, along the R71 near Tarentaalrand briefly appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The four identified as: Jonh Vondo (39), Hardlife Manjoko (35), Biggie Chimwero (36)) all from Zimbabwe and Samuel Almeida Mashaba (46) from Mozambican, who was additionally charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
They are all facing charges of illegal processing of gold-bearing materials and were remanded in custody until 18 February for formal bail.
According to the police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the arrests followed a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation carried out by the Mopani District Vala Umgodi Task Team, with support from the Tactical Joint Operational Center (TACJOC) Detectives and Airwing Drone Pilots.
Two of these individuals are suspected to be the main kingpins behind the illegal mining activities.
During the operation, police seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of minerals, including: Containers with carbon ashes (presumed to be precious minerals), Gas bottles, Sulfuric acids and Oxygen cylinders.
Furthermore, two vehicles, a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz, both with Gauteng registration plates, believed to belong to the two suspected kingpins, were seized.
Meanwhile, the Vala Umgodi Task Team, in a coordinated joint operation between the Mopani and Vhembe Districts, has successfully disrupted illegal mining operations at various hotspots in the province.
This follows a strategic and intensive operation carried out in the Giyani policing precinct under Mopani District on Sunday, leading to the arrest of three suspects involved in the processing of presumed gold-bearing materials.
At approximately 15:40, the team tactically surrounded a mining site during foot patrols and observed three illegal miners engaged in processing gold-bearing materials. Upon noticing the presence of the police, the suspects fled into nearby bushes, dispersing in different directions. Despite their attempts to escape, one suspect, a 34-year-old undocumented foreign national, was apprehended at the scene.
Further investigation led the team to Mphamphuli village, where they conducted a follow-up operation at a homestead suspected of processing precious minerals. Upon searching the location, the team arrested two South African citizens, aged 35 and 47, who were found in the act of processing presumed gold-bearing materials.
The operation resulted in the seizure of several items and tools associated with illegal mining, including spades, picks, bags containing presumed gold-bearing materials, pendukas, grinders, motors, generators, hammers, chisels, and electric cables, among others.
In addition, an undisclosed amount of cash and a white Ford Ranger, believed to have been used to transport the illegal materials from the mining site to the homestead, was also confiscated.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the Vala Umgodi Task Team for their exemplary dedication and tactical expertise in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the province.
The arrested suspects are facing charges related to the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. One of the suspects will also face charges for contravening the Immigration Act in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court.
Inside an illegal gold processing laboratory.
Inside an illegal gold processing laboratory.