Operation Vala uMgodi, a task force created last year to combat illegal mining, has identified 12 non-operational mines in the Greater Giyani and Malamulele areas as key hotspots for illegal mining activities.
These mines, which ceased gold mining operations over 30 years ago during the Gazankulu homeland era, are now being linked to a potential syndicate involved in illicit mining, with connections to other mines in Thohoyandou and Sekhukhune.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba highlighted that the task force has achieved significant successes in disrupting illegal mining operations.
Mashaba emphasized that illegal mining has a detrimental effect on both the economy and the environment.
The operation's ongoing efforts to dismantle these illicit activities send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Limpopo.
Law enforcement agencies will continue to target and dismantle crime syndicates involved in illegal mining across the province.
