Police nab alleged illegal mining kingpins
There's been a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining in Limpopo, police say.
Two men have been arrested for their involvement in the buying and exporting of illegally mined chrome.
Provincial police spokesperson Motlafelo Mojapelo says: "Two alleged kingpins were arrested by members the Organized Crime Unit last night. The two suspects are the alleged buyers and exporters of illegally mined chrome."
The suspects, aged 40 and 62, are from Pretoria and Rustenburg.
"The two kingpins are linked to illegal mining activities, including buying and exporting chrome to foreign countries," Mojapelo confirms.
Their arrests follow a joint operation on the R37 between Lebowakgomo and Burgersfort in May.
Mojapelo says police and the department of mineral resources joined forces to combat illegal mining along this road.
Mining machinery including excavations, trucks and unprocessed chrome were also confiscated.
"Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit launched an intelligence driven operation in Mooihoek and were following up information which led to the arrest of the two and the confiscation of a Toyota Hilux, laptops and other materials."
The suspects are expected to appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges related to the contravention of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act and the National Environmental Maintenance Act.