Lerato Mbhiza
THE South African Police Service’s (SAPS) illicit mining task team unit closed down an illegal coal mine operating in Carolina, Mpumalanga and seized equipment worth R60 million and coal worth R12 million.
During the operation a 53-year-old mine manager was arrested after failing to produce a mining permit and equipment including excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks were confiscated.
In the past twelve 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 authorised by law to operate by the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the 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 8 May 2023.
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the illicit mining task team
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
