R3m equipment seized from zama zama in Limpopo
The Hawks in Limpopo have arrested a suspect for alleged illegal mining activity and seized equipment valued at about R3 million in Giyani.
The 41-year-old Mozambican man, who is also facing charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act, was arrested during "Operation Green" carried out by several law enforcement agencies on Thursday.
Hawks spokesperson Lethunya Mmuroa says the operation aims to dismantle the illegal mining activities in the Giyani and Malamulele areas of the Mopani District.
"During the operation, the team went to one of the farms, where they found a man refining gold," he says.
"During the interview, it was established that he is a Mozambican national, and he does not have documents to be in South Africa. He was immediately put under arrest.
"He is expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrates Court to face charges of contravention of the Immigration Act and contravention of the Precious Metal Act on 15 November."
Equipment seized includes loads of dumps, hosepipes, shovels, build-in leaching tanks, chemical containers, a phenduka, a wheelbarrow, water tanks and refined gold.
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