Authorities Bust Illegal Mining Operation in Mavalani Village, Seize Weapons and Equipment

Giyani – In a swift intelligence-driven operation, a collaborative team comprising Giyani police, the Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Mopani Tracing Team apprehended eight individuals engaged in illegal mining activities.

During the operation in Mavalani village on Friday, 8 May 2026, officials also seized unlicensed firearms, ammunition, a bakkie, and instruments used for illegal mining.

The focus of the operation was on specific locations known for illicit mining activities in the area.

Describing the circumstances surrounding the arrests, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba indicated that the team targeted three separate sites within the same village linked to unlawful mining.

At the first site, police detained three South African males aged between 23 and 54.

Authorities confiscated two unlicensed firearms along with ammunition and impounded a grey Isuzu double-cab bakkie suspected of being used for transporting unprocessed precious minerals.

Additionally, they recovered discarded mining tools, including 17 four-pound hammers, chisels, a crowbar, a three-pound hammer, pliers, headlights, and three clay-made stones thought to be involved in mineral processing.

The operation advanced to a second location in the village, where three foreign males, aged 23 to 54, were arrested for illegal mining and breaches of the Immigration Act.

Items seized included three pendukas, a wheelbarrow, two silver motors, drums, spades, six 40-litre basins, bags, buckets, R1 950 in cash, and two mobile phones.

At the third location, two women, aged 35 and 37, were apprehended inside a one-room house for allegedly processing unrefined suspected precious metals.

Officers recovered a two-pound hammer and a bag containing the suspected minerals.

All eight individuals are expected to face charges in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon, including illegal mining, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and immigration violations.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe stated that the operation highlights the increasing pressure on illegal mining networks in Limpopo, where unregulated activities frequently involve hazardous tools, undocumented workers, and links to firearm-related offenses.