Mpumalanga Community Safety MEC welcomes arrests of illegal miners
The illegal miners were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi, a coordinated effort by police and various other agencies to combat illicit mining activities in a shaft at the Sheba Gold Mine.
A police officer holds a note urging illegal miners to resurface, 15 November 2024. Picture: SAPS
BARBERTON - Mpumalanga community safety and security MEC Jackie Macie has hailed the arrests of at least 1000 illegal miners in a massive police operation at a mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday.
The illegal miners were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi, a coordinated effort by police and various other agencies to combat illicit mining activities in a shaft at the Sheba Gold Mine.
Police say they’ve been closing in on the zama zamas since the start of the week.
In a statement, Macie says the crackdown was a significant step in the government's fight against crime--- and illegal immigration and mining.
He says the illegal movement of people into the country has a negative impact on the safety and security of communities.
Macie also highlighted the devastating environmental consequences of illegal mining.
He has called for continued collaboration between law enforcement and communities, urging residents to report illegal miners instead of accommodating them.