Pilgrims Rest – Mpumalanga police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with illegal mining in Pilgrims Rest, near Sabie outside Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg),
The suspects, including females aged between 18 and 45, were arrested on Thursday, (27 March 2025).
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said preliminary investigations show that all the suspects were undocumented foreign nationals.
She said the police were assisted by the Department of Home Affairs to determine the status of the suspects in the country.
“The team members from combat and proactive arrested the suspects that did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa,” Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said.
“Police investigators are working in partnership with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.”
She said mining equipment was seized from the suspects.
“During their arrest, the astute members confiscated Phendukas, gas cylinders, motors, and other illegal mining equipment,” Ndubane said.
All the unlawful mining suspects will soon make their first appearance at the Pilgrims Rest Periodical Court.
