Hawks seize R5 million mining equipment

The Hawks have seized mining equipment worth an estimated R5 million during a disruptive operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Rustenburg. The operation was conducted on Tuesday, August 4, at Hencor Mine by the Rustenburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Illicit Mining and Infrastructure Task Team. The operation followed information received about alleged illegal mining activities at the mine.

According to the Hawks, the team responded to the information and found four abandoned excavators and a dump truck at the site. The equipment, collectively valued at approximately R5 million, was seized and will form part of the ongoing investigation. North West Hawks head Major General Nombuso Khoza commended the team for its efforts in combating illegal mining. Khoza said the operation demonstrated the Directorate’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities, which she said have a negative impact on community safety.