SUSPECTS DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR ILLEGAL MINING

MPUMALANGA – Two Mozambican nationals both aged 38 are expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, 18 May 2022. They were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Nelspruit, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre and SSG Security mine on Tuesday, 17 May 2022 for illegal mining.
Information was received and followed about people who were manufacturing gold-bearing materials in Barberton Verlam Section. Search and seizure warrant was authorised by court and it was executed hence the arrest. On arrival at the identified place, other suspects ran away and the two were arrested.
The pair were charged and detained pending their court appearance.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the integrated multi-disciplinary operation conducted by the team. She further warned the community to refrain from illegal mining activities.