At least 33 illegal immigrants between the ages 18 and 45 suspected to be dealing in illegal mining have been arrested. Phoot: Supplied/SAPS
Image: SAPS
At least 33 illegal immigrants between the ages of 18 and 45 suspected to be dealing in illegal mining were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi in Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga.
Amongst the suspects, five are females whilst 28 are males.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said during the arrest, police discovered that the suspects were in possession of mining equipment which was a sign that they were allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
"The suspects were nabbed during the time when the team of law enforcement agencies were conducting a disruptive operation in the area of Pilgrim's Rest. The astute members managed to confiscate 11 phendukas, four generators, seven gas cylinders, a water tank with a capacity of 1000 litres, two motors, two cutting torches, and other items such as a water pump, spade, shovel, electrical cable, jackhammer, as well as a pilot gun," said Mdhluli.
He said the suspects appeared in the Graskop Magistrate's Court on Monday. The matter was postponed to three different dates, March 7, 10, and 13, 2025.
"The reason cited behind the postponement is for further investigation, including the verification of ages. The other reason is to avoid overcrowding in the court," explained Mdhluli.
Meanwhile,the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has slapped 38 employers with fines amounting to R68 000 for hiring illegal foreign nationals without valid work permits in contravention of immigration laws.
In a parliamentary reply, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said her department conducts blitz inspections in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the police.
Meth said her department’s mandate was to enforce the implementation of labour laws to ensure the protection of workers, while the Department of Home Affairs scrutinised the validity of visas and work permits through the application of immigration laws.
“In the event of non-compliance with immigration laws, the Department of Home Affairs arrests the non-compliant employers and employees.”
Meth said during the blitz, 68 employers and 322 foreign nationals were found on the wrong side of the law across the nine provinces.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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