ILLEGAL MINING CRACKDOWN: 17 arrested, counterfeit goods worth millions seized

NW – The North West police’s crackdown on illegal mining and counterfeit goods continues to deliver results, with recent Vala Umgodi operations leading to multiple arrests and major seizures.

Between Saturday, 15 and Tuesday, 18 February 2025, law enforcement teams arrested 17 individuals in the Sun City area and Rustenburg’s Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 for illegal mining and violations of the Immigration Act. The suspects, aged 20 to 47, hail from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Malawi.

Two suspects were apprehended in Witrandjie near Sun City, while 10 were arrested in Kroondal. Following their court appearances in Mogwase and Rustenburg, two of the accused remain in custody until their bail hearing on 7 April 2025. In Rustenburg, six suspects were remanded in custody, awaiting court dates between 25 February and 14 March. Meanwhile, four individuals pleaded guilty to immigration violations and received a R5,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment. An additional five arrests for Immigration Act violations were made in Kroondal on Monday, 17 and Tuesday, 18 February.

During the operations, police seized essential mining tools, including shovels, jackhammers, generators, a water pump, and nearly 13 kg of illegally mined chrome. Additionally, counterfeit goods valued at over R2.7 million were confiscated in Zeerust, Koster, and Brits in separate operations targeting illicit trade.

Acting provincial police commissioner, major general Patrick Asaneng, praised the officers for their unwavering commitment to tackling illegal mining and related crimes.

Main photo: Authorities confiscated mining tools and nearly 13 kg of chrome during the crackdown on illegal mining operations.