A Limpopo geologist was arrested by the Hawks for being in possession of illegally mined chrome worth over R20-million.
Sting operation
Jan Aucamp, 63, recently made a brief appearance before the Praktiseer district court for unlawful possession of chrome.
Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Matimba Maluleke said the arrest was a result of an intelligence-driven operation.
“On 12 December 2023, members from Polokwane Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with SAPS – Sekhukhune district, local criminal record centre, SA National Defence Force and SSG security company, conducted an intelligence-driven illegal mining disruptive operation at Steelpoort near Burgersfort,” said Maluleke.
Stockpiles worth R20m discovered
“Acting on intelligence, members of the team pounced on the accused at Steelpoort Triton Chrome storage. They found chrome stockpiles with the estimated value of over R20-million stored on the yard.
“The accused was asked to produce a permit to be in possession of the chrome stockpiles but he failed, and he was subsequently arrested.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused is a geologist by profession.
Bail application
The accused was remanded in custody and appeared again in court on Tuesday, December 19, and was released on R5000 bail. The matter was postponed to February 28 2024.
The provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, major general Gopz Govender, had strong words for illegal miners. He said the Hawks will deal with them irrespective of their status.
