Four undocumented Mozambican nationals, aged between 17 and 39, are due to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court today on charges of contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act and illegal mining activities.
The suspects were apprehended on 16 September 2024 in Sabie after police received information about illegal mining operations in the Simile area. Acting on the tip-off, law enforcement launched an urgent operation, discovering a large group engaged in illegal mining. While most suspects managed to flee, four undocumented miners were captured.
Police also seized illegal mining equipment and gold-bearing materials at the site.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the illegal activities, saying, “Apart from the unlawful extraction of precious metals, we are extremely concerned about the safety of those operating in these hazardous sites and the violent conflicts that often lead to loss of life.”
