Five suspects arrested for illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act

Five suspects, aged between 29 and 53, were arrested in Lydenburg on 09 May 2025 for illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act. Among the suspects, three were identified as undocumented persons from Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

Police acted on information received about illegal mining activities taking place at Hopps Hollow, located along the R37 road between Lydenburg and Sabie.

Upon arrival, police officers were directed to the suspects by private security officers on site. The suspects were immediately apprehended and charged accordingly.

The following items were found in their possession and subsequently confiscated:

• 1 × Phenduka

•2 × 4-pound hammers

•2 × Buckets containing gold-bearing material

•2 × Bags containing gold-bearing material

•1 × Spade shovel

The suspects are expected to appear before the Mashishing District Court on Monday, 12 May 2025, facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and commended the collaborative efforts between private security personnel and police officers in ensuring the suspects were apprehended.