15 Suspects nabbed for illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen property (chrome) in Limpopo

The Vala Umgodi Operations conducted in the Limpopo Province, on Monday, 19 May 2025, resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects, aged between 21 and 42, for charges of illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen properties (Chrome) at Sekhukhune and Mopani Districts.

Nine male suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties (Chrome) at Burgersfort Policing area in the Sekhukhune district. According to information, members of Operation Vala Umgodi were patrolling in the area when they spotted suspicious vehicles traveling at the R555 road. They stopped and searched the vehicles and discovered that two tipper trucks were loaded with suspected minerals (Chrome). The suspects were then arrested, and the trucks were confiscated.

The team proceeded to the identified illegal mining site at Dithamaga in Burgesfort Policing area, whereby five suspects were found mining illegally at the area. They were all arrested for illegal mining. During the arrest, Nissan UD truck, Mercedes Benz truck, generators, spades, shovels, extension cords, Jack hammers, wheelbarrow, solar lamp were confiscated

Moreover, in the Mopani district, in Maake Policing area, a 35-year-old man was arrested for illegal mining, illegal processing of presumed precious minerals, and contravention of immigration act. Police also confiscated items such as shovel, pickaxe, hammer, phenduka, head lamp, and a bag containing presumed precious minerals.

The suspects will soon appear before the local Magistrate’s Court.

The Police investigations are ongoing.

Truck and Freight