The war against illegal mining, or zama zamas, intensified in Limpopo after police uncovered a large illegal mining processing operation in the Mopani District. On Saturday, February 8, four foreign nationals were arrested, including two individuals believed to be the main kingpins behind the illegal activities. According to Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, one of the suspects was also found to be in the country illegally, adding another charge under the Immigration Act.
The police operation, which took place on a farm along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele area of Tzaneen, also led to the seizure of two luxury cars believed to belong to the suspected kingpins. The four suspects face serious charges, including the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. They will soon appear in the Ritavi Magistrates Court to answer for their crimes.
Residents of Letsitele were shocked to discover that such criminal activities had been happening so close to their community. Maria Modjadji, a local resident, expressed her relief that police had disrupted the operation, saying she had no idea that illegal mining was taking place nearby. Another resident, Mariveni Geroge Hlatswayo, commented on the danger of abandoned properties being hijacked by criminals, causing operations like this to go unnoticed for long periods.
The discovery of this illegal mining operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat zama zamas and the hidden dangers of such criminal activities. With the operation dismantled, the police have sent a strong message to those involved in illegal mining that they will face the consequences of their actions.
