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, 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.
Upon arrival at the scene, a hotspot for illegal mining, they discovered the body was deeply covered with large rocks. Immediately, the #SearchAndRescue Teams were activated. The retrieval operation, which included SAPS, EMS, and Mogalakwena mining company, commenced the following day using relevant equipment and other resources but only concluded on Sunday, 16 February, at approximately 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.
She commended all the role players who participated during 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 still continuing.