Swift police action leads to arrest of Illegal Mining kingpin

21 June 2024

In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, a swift response by a multidisciplinary team, including units from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the National Intervention Unit under Operation Vala Umgodi, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious illicit mining kingpin in the Atok area along the R37 road, within the Apel policing precinct. 

Acting on actionable intelligence, the team swiftly mobilized and intercepted illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of three individuals aged between 31 and 45 at the scene. Among the apprehended suspects was a Congolese foreign national believed to be the mastermind behind illegal mining operations in and around the Atok region. 

During the operation, the team successfully seized a white and blue Scania horse and trailer truck loaded with chrome, TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe), a maroon Toyota Yaris, and a white Ford Ranger.

The arrested suspects are set to appear before the Apel Magistrate’s Court in due course. 

Issued by Colonel Malesa Ledwaba, SAPS, 21 June 2024