Police Complete Operation
By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully concluded a major operation to bring alleged illegal miners to the surface from the abandoned South Mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga. The operation, which began last Tuesday, ended on Friday evening, resulting in 153 individuals being brought to the surface and three bodies retrieved.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were sustained during the operation, either by the individuals brought to the surface or the law enforcement personnel involved.
Collaborative Effort
The operation involved a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the mining company, private security firms, and several government departments. These included the SAPS, Home Affairs, Health (Emergency Medical Services), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The diverse and well-coordinated team worked tirelessly to ensure the safe retrieval of individuals and to address the immediate concerns related to illegal mining activities at the abandoned site.
SAPS Leadership on the Ground
Senior officials from the SAPS, including National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, were present at the site on Thursday to oversee the progress of the operation. Accompanying him were Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule (Divisional Commissioner: Detective and Forensic Services), Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti (Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations), and Acting Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
Their presence underscored the importance of the operation and highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the growing issue of illegal mining in South Africa.
Diverse Group of Individuals
Among the 153 individuals brought to the surface, the SAPS noted that the majority were foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with a smaller number of South Africans included.
This reflects the cross-border nature of illegal mining operations, which often involve individuals from neighboring countries seeking economic opportunities in South Africa’s abandoned mines.
Investigations Underway
Major General Mkhwanazi expressed gratitude for the professionalism and cooperation displayed during the operation and confirmed that an investigation into the illegal mining activities is already in progress.
“The investigation into the illegal mining activities has already begun to ensure that justice is served. We plead with everyone to allow this team space to conduct their investigation without being distracted, and the public will be notified in due course,” Mkhwanazi stated.He further emphasized that Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative aimed at combating illegal mining in Mpumalanga, will remain active to curb such activities in the province.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 086🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Hung Council Persists in Thabazimbi as ANC Falls Short of Majority in By-Elections”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube