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Six people were arrested in a multi-stakeholder raid on an illegal mining site in Leaches Bay in East London on Friday.
Buffalo City Metro (BCM) Spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya says it is alleged that the mine was operating on an expired permit, therefore illegally harvesting dunes and stone.
They include the mine director of HJT Transport Mining and Civil and five of his employees.
Ngwenya says the site was closed down with immediate effect and the suspects were processed at the Fleet Street police station, where they are facing charges of contravention of Section 24(f) of NEMA.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) issued the company a verbal warning in November 2023, when its licence expired.
Dune is very important as it provides natural coastal protection against storm surges and high waves, preventing or reducing coastal flooding and structural damage.
In terms of section 49 by Nema, the sanction of this crime could lead to a maximum of R10 million, or 10 years in prison or both.
BCM, which owns the land, hopes these arrests will send a strong message to all those who disregard the law around illegal mining.
The suspects are due in court soon.
