Nineteen undocumented Mozambican citizens were taken into custody on Wednesday (16) after a brief hearing at Pilgrim's Rest magistrates' court in South Africa.

According to police spokesman Captain Magonseni NkosiThe suspects were arrested following an operation conducted by members of Mpumalanga's Operation Umgodi Ditch on Tuesday (15).

The suspects, aged between 18 and 33, were rounded up in the early hours of the morning as they allegedly headed to the illegal mining site in New Town, Pilgrim's Rest. 

It is alleged that the suspects became suspicious when they approached the illegal mining site and started running in different directions. The police acted quickly and managed to arrest all 19 suspects.

All the suspects appeared in court and were remanded in custody for a second court hearing, scheduled to take place from today until October 28.