Seven men aged between 32 and 49 are expected to appear in court on Wednesday following their arrest for illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen minerals in Limpopo. The suspects were arrested on 31 March 2026 during an operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Polokwane, with support from the Limpopo Mine Unrest Task Team.
According to the Hawks, the arrests were made during disruptive operations targeting illegal mining activities in the province.
Three of the suspects were allegedly found mining without permits or any legal documentation. The remaining four were reportedly caught loading chrome into two horse and trailer trucks using a tractor loader backhoe, also without the required permits or proof of ownership.
Police confiscated two horse and trailer trucks loaded with chrome, as well as a tractor loader backhoe. The seized equipment has an estimated combined value of more than R3 million. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and related criminal activities in Limpopo.
The suspects are expected to face charges of illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen minerals when they appear in court.
