Police arrest 19 in major crackdown on illegal mining in Limpopo and Mpumalanga

South African police have made significant arrests in Limpopo and Mpumalanga following a weekend of focused operations aimed at tackling illegal mining and other serious crimes.

In Limpopo, officers attached to Operation Vala Umgodi arrested 16 suspects between Friday and Saturday,  April 5 and 6, across the Vhembe, Waterberg, and Sekhukhune districts. Among those detained were 13 undocumented foreign nationals, two people believed to be engaged in illegal mining, and one individual accused of employing undocumented workers.

Police confirmed the arrests followed stop-and-search operations and patrols around known illegal mining hotspots.

In Mpumalanga, three men aged between 20 and 36 were taken into custody on Sunday, April 6, during a routine operation along the R38 in Barberton. Officers recovered gold-bearing material from the vehicle. The suspects are due to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 7, facing charges of possession of gold-bearing material.

In a separate and disturbing incident, a 26-year-old man was arrested in Arnot, near Hendrina, on Saturday. He is accused of raping a six-year-old girl and is expected to appear in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 7.

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt illegal mining operations and respond swiftly to violent and serious crime. Authorities have called on communities to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.