The 41-year-old Mozambican, who also faces charges related to violating immigration law, was arrested Thursday during “Operation Green” led by several law enforcement agencies.

Hawks spokesperson Lethunya Mmuroa said the operation was aimed at dismantling illegal mining activities in the Giyani and Malamulele areas of Mopani district.

“During the operation, the team went to one of the farms, where they found a man refining gold,” he said.

“During the interview, it was established that he is a Mozambican national and does not have documents to be in South Africa. He was immediately arrested.

“He is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court to face charges of violating the Immigration Act and violating the Precious Metals Act on November 15.”

The seized equipment includes landfills, garden hoses, shovels, built-in leach tanks, chemical containers, phenduka, wheelbarrow, water tanks and refined gold.

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