Timeslive reports that the Hawks said on Wednesday that 12 suspects had been arrested for operating illegal gold processing laboratories at Mapuve village outside Giyani‚ Limpopo.  

This was brought about following a "disruptive operation" by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and Crime Intelligence.  "Almost 10 illegal gold processing laboratories‚ gold mining equipment which amongst others include gas cylinders‚ generators‚ gold bearing materials‚ mercury‚ automatic and manual operating pendukas‚ industrial hammers‚ gold bearing material grinders‚ industrial torches/flash lights were seized" in the operation on Monday‚ police said.  All the suspects‚ mostly illegal immigrants, were due to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of contravening the Precious Metal Act.  Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head Major General Thobeka Jozi warned people involved in illegal mining that they should expect more operations in the province.

• Read this report in full at Timeslive

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