38 ARRESTED IN PILGRIM’S REST ILLEGAL MINING CRACKDOWN

Police have arrested 38 suspects during an operation targeting illegal mining in Pilgrim’s Rest.

The operation, conducted from midnight on 13 September, saw 36 suspects arrested for illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, while two were arrested for alleged Immigration Act violations.

Police seized six 12.5kg bags of gold-bearing material, phendukas, head torches, hammers, iron rods, a pick, chisel and other equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining.

Authorities said the suspects linked to illegal mining are foreign nationals, with the Department of Home Affairs assisting to verify their immigration status.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise said police would continue disrupting illegal mining operations and urged communities to provide information to assist in fighting related crime.