A joint intelligence-driven operation conducted on Friday, May 8, 2026, by the Giyani police, the Illegal Mining Task Team, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), and the Mopani Tracing Team resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, one bakkie, and illegal mining equipment.
The operation targeted identified locations linked to illegal mining activities in Mavalani village.
At the first location, police arrested three male suspects aged between 23 and 54. Officers seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. A grey Isuzu Double Cab bakkie, used to transport unwrought precious minerals, was also impounded. Additionally, police confiscated abandoned mining equipment and suspected mined materials, including 17 x 4-pound hammers, three clay-made stones, two chisels, one crowbar, one three-pound hammer, one plier, and three headlights.
At a second location in the same village, police arrested three foreign male nationals, aged between 23 and 54, for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. Items seized at the site included three pendukas, one wheelbarrow, two silver motors, two drums, one spade, six x 40-litre basins, three bags, four empty buckets, two blue drums, R1,950 in cash, and two cellphones.
At a third location, police apprehended two female suspects, aged 35 and 37, for processing unwrought suspected precious metals in a one-roomed house. A two-pound hammer and a bag of suspected unwrought precious metals were recovered during the arrest.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of illegal mining, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the coordinated effort of all units involved in disrupting illegal mining, which she said fuels other serious crimes in the area.
Police investigations continue.