Police are investigating cases of illegal mining and the theft of coal, at a mine in Dirkiesdorp, in Mpumalanga, following a dubious incident on Friday, the 24th October 2025.
Police confiscated trucks used in mining (yellow plants), dumped on the side of the road by suspects.
Then in a tragic twist, police said in a statement, a bakkie travelling on the same road, as the trucks, (Piet Retief / Wakkerstroom Road, near Dirkiesdorp), collided with one of the stationary mine trucks, resulting in the untimely deaths of the two suspects.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, said “at this point, the victims have not yet been formally identified by their next of kin, and we are working diligently to notify and support their families during this difficult time. Moreover, we can confirm that a case of culpable homicide is currently under investigation in connection with the fatal accident.”
The police said the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has jumped in, by opening a case against a certain company, for its involvement in such activities.
Elsewhere, an operation by the police and Search & Rescue K9 Units, arrested six illegal miners at Protea Mine in Blaauwbank, Magaliesberg, on Friday, 24 October 2025.
There police seized four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, and mining equipment, including generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel used in illegal mining.
Picture: iStock