Nine foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining in Mpumalanga
At least two bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in Mashobota, Mpumalanga on Monday.
Nine Mozambican nationals have been apprehended by South African authorities for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Mashobodo area, located near Ngodwana in Mpumalanga province. The arrests were made as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, an intelligence-driven operation that followed a series of shootouts between rival illegal mining factions in the region.
Following the gun battles, two bodies were found along the N4 Schoemanskloof road, which had been closed by the Trans African Concession company due to the violence.
Donald Mdluli, the spokesperson for the provincial police, confirmed that the police also seized chemicals that are believed to be utilized in the refining process of gold-bearing materials. Mdluli stated that the arrests were a significant disruption to the illegal mining operations in the province and emphasized the police's commitment to combating such activities, indicating that more such operations can be anticipated.
The South African Police Service continues to intensify efforts against illegal mining operations in the Mashobodo region under the Ngodwana Policing district.
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