North West police arrest 104 people suspected of illegal mining activities

JOHANNESBURG - North West police have arrested 104 people suspected of illegal mining activities in the province.

At the time of the arrests, the suspects were found with mining equipment that has since been confiscated.

Police say they are undocumented foreign nationals who are now also charged with the contravention of the Immigration Act.

READ: Fight against illegal mining challenging, says EMPD

The arrests were made as part of operation Vala Umgodi from last week into this week in the Brits and Rustenburg areas.

North West police spokesperson Mpho Manyoba said, "The suspects were nabbed between Thursday, 10 April and Tuesday, 16 April, they were all charged for the contravention of the immigration act and are currently being processed by Home Affairs before being deported back to their countries. The suspects are believed to be from different countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and Lesotho."