The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation known as the Hawks has intensified its crackdown on alleged #IllegalMining, with another coordinated operation disrupting suspected unlawful chrome mining activities in the Thabazimbi policing area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, aged between 43 and 50, who now face charges of alleged illegal mining and related environmental offences.
The suspects were arrested this week by the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation team working in close collaboration with Thabazimbi SAPS, Hoopdal SAPS, Dwaalboom SAPS, the Thabazimbi Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).
The arrests follow an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal chrome mining. Acting on information received and subsequent verification conducted by the relevant regulatory authority, the multidisciplinary team executed a disruptive operation at the identified mining site.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that mining activities were conducted in contravention of applicable environmental and mining legislation.
Following the verification process, the five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining and contravention of Section 24F(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).
The suspects are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on 14 July 2026.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender, applauded the coordinated efforts of all participating law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders, saying their collaboration demonstrates the collective resolve to combat crimes that threaten South Africa’s economy and natural resources. Further stated that “Illegal mining is not a victimless crime.
It strips the country of its mineral wealth, damages the environment and fuels criminality. Those who choose to profit through unlawful mining activities must know that the Hawks, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify, investigate and bring offenders before the courts to account for their actions.”