An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in Limpopo, South Africa, on February 23, 2025, during a police operation targeting illegal mining activities in the Gravelotte area. The teenager, who was found to be in the country without proper documentation, is facing charges related to illegal mining and violating the Immigration Act.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, a spokesperson for the police, the suspect was apprehended by members of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Mopani District after a disruptive operation. Officers were surveilling an illicit mining site when they were prompted to call for backup, leading them to the Modupe illicit gold mine.
During the operation, five old mining shafts were investigated, revealing evidence of illegal mining, including fresh footprints and sounds from within one of the shafts. At approximately 2 pm, three miners emerged from a shaft and began processing unwrought precious minerals suspected to be gold. As police officers approached, the miners attempted to flee into nearby bushes, but one suspect was quickly apprehended.
The arrested individual, who is believed to be processing gold-bearing materials, had about 2.5 kg of unwrought precious minerals, along with a spade and a small black headlamp, seized by the police. Investigations are currently ongoing.
The suspect is being held at SAPS Gravelotte and will appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Thakeng assured that the Vala Umgodi Task teams in Limpopo remain dedicated to combating illegal mining and ensuring community safety.