RUSTENBURG HERALD - MOOINOOI - In a remarkable display of cooperation and resolve, the police in Mooinooi solidified the pursuit of safety in the community to neutralise the threat posed by illegal miners within the area.
A formidable team comprising of members from the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) and Visible Policing (VISPOL) commenced with an operation on Friday, 12 December.
Upon arrival in Mooinooi, the team discovered 11 male suspects, that were digging within the area and two bakkies were found with stones/rocks inside, suspected to be chrome.
All 11 suspects, between the ages of 20 and 45, were arrested for illegal mining and the two motor vehicles and various tools that were used to dig, were seized. In addition, two of the 11 suspects were found to be undocumented foreign nationals and were charged with contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act (2002).
The accused were expected to make their first court appearance on Monday, 15 December, before the Brits Magistrates’ Court.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, com-mended the team’s bravery and hard work in combating illegal mining. He stated that the police will work relentlessly to combat illegal mining and lawlessness.
