Polokwane – The police in Limpopo have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of the body of a male victim, suspected of being involved in illicit mining activities.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the dead man was found on Thursday, (13 February 2025), at Zwartkrans Mine near Makapan’s Valley in Mokopane policing precinct, under the Waterberg District.
“At approximately 11:00, members of Operation Vala Umgodi in Waterberg District were conducting disruptive operations when they received information about a body buried in a shallow grave at one of the illegal mining shafts,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
“Upon arrival at the scene, a hotspot for illegal mining, they discovered the body was deeply covered with large rocks.”
Search and Rescue Teams were then activated.
The retrieval operation, which included SA Police Service, EMS, and Mogalakwena mining company, commenced the following day using relevant equipment and other resources but only concluded on Sunday, (16 February 2025), at about 14:00 due to rainfall when the body, believed to be that of a Lesotho national already in a decomposing state, was successfully retrieved.
The circumstances surrounding the death are still under police investigation.
The identity of the deceased will be disclosed in due course.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned illegal mining activities, highlighting that they are not only unlawful but also highly dangerous.
Lieutenant General Hadebe commended all those who participated in the operation and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
She also appealed to the community to provide any information regarding illegal mining activities in the area.
Police investigations are continuing.
