Crackdown on illegal mining: 478 arrested

MPUMALANGA MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has welcomed the arrest of about 478 illegal miners by police on Friday during Operation Vala Umgodi at a mine in Barberton.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

He said the mass arrest augurs well for the government's endeavours to fight and prevent crime.

The arrested miners are allegedly undocumented foreign nationals.

Macie believes the illegal movement of people into the country negatively impacts the safety and security of communities and the resolution of crime cases involving undocumented foreign nationals.

This, according to the MEC, contributes to increasing numbers of undetected crime cases.