In Mpumalanga, illegal miners—better known as zama-zamas—were arrested for having gold-bearing materials.
According to the Hawks, the six individuals were apprehended for dealing gold unlawfully.
The Mpumalanga Hawks are working to stop unauthorised mining in the province.
A multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven effort was put together by them. It was made up of the National Intervention Unit, the Tactical Response Team, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Nelspruit Serious Organized Crime Investigation Unit of the Hawks.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, this squad was successful in finding and apprehending six individuals in Matsulu C on Friday.
Law enforcement discovered two laboratories that were operating and dismantling gold-bearing items during the joint operation.
Captain Diineo Lucy Sekgotodi said:
“Numerous mining equipment, implements and a vehicle were seized for further investigation. The six were arrested for illegal possession of gold-bearing materials and illegal dealing in gold on two separate premises respectively.”
On Friday, the six zama-zamas appeared before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court. The oldest suspect is Bagayi John Shongwe, a 77-year-old Mozambican national.
Godfrey Siyabonga Sithole, 45, a Zimbabwean citizen, Simone Tobias Macha, 25, Musa Matimela, 58, Godfrey Mongezi, 32, and Nkosinathi Vilakazi, 25 are the remaining suspects.
They have been remanded in custody and will appear in court again on Monday for further questioning and legal counsel.
“The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation to all role-players who participated in the execution of the operation,” said Sekgotodi.
