By: Natasha Archary

A manhunt is underway for the owner of an illegal mining operation in Caroline, Mpumalanga where R60 million of mining equipment and R12 million of coal was seized.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says a 53-year old mine manager was arrested for failing to produce a mining permit.
An illicit mining task team that was deployed to prevent and combat illegal mining activities in hotspots across the country was responsible for shutting down the illegal mining operation.
Police seized mining equipment including excavators, bull dozers and dump trucks as well as R12 million of coal which was found to have been mined illegally.
Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police have spent the past 12-months cracking down on illegal mining in the country.
“In the past 12-months, 748 coal yards across the country were visited to ensure compliance. A total of 63 unregulated coal yards were shut down because they were not authorized by law to operate by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Through high density operations, 335 illegal miners have been arrested at various hotspots across the country since 08 May 2023.”
Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
SAPS Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili commended the task team’s work.
“Many thanks to the SANDF, DFFE, DMRE and Water Affairs Department who also had a role to play in the success of this take down.
Since the establishment of the Natjoints energy safety and security priority committee, we have intensified efforts to prevent and combat incidents of illegal mining activities. We are also working closely with all stakeholders to close and rehabilitate abandoned mine shafts to put a stop to these illegal mining activities.”
SAPS Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili
Also read: 90 learners from Grade R – 7 hospitalised after eating space cookies



