Authorities Disrupt Illegal Mining Operation in Mavalani Village, Confiscate Weapons and Equipment

Giyani – In a rapid intelligence-led operation, a combined unit of Giyani police, the Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Mopani Tracing Team apprehended eight individuals for illegal mining activities.

During the intervention in Mavalani village on Friday, 8 May 2026, authorities also confiscated unlicensed firearms, ammunition, a bakkie, and equipment used for illegal mining.

The operation focused on specific sites known for illegal mining activities in the region.

Explaining the circumstances leading to the arrests, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba mentioned that the team targeted three distinct locations within the same village associated with unlawful mining.

At the first location, police took into custody three South African males aged between 23 and 54.

Authorities seized two unlicensed firearms along with ammunition and impounded a grey Isuzu double-cab bakkie believed to be utilized for transporting unprocessed precious minerals.

They also recovered abandoned mining tools, including 17 four-pound hammers, chisels, a crowbar, a three-pound hammer, pliers, headlights, and three clay-made stones suspected to be involved in mineral processing.

The operation proceeded to a second site in the village, where three foreign male nationals, aged 23 to 54, were arrested for illegal mining and violations of the Immigration Act.

Confiscated items 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 site, two women aged 35 and 37 were arrested 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 anticipated to face charges in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court shortly, including illegal mining, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and immigration violations.

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