A call was swiftly attended to, by SAPS members from the Provincial Management, Operation Vala Umgodi team, Ehlanzeni Tactical Response Team, K-9 Unit and Sabie following reports of alleged illegal miners who were armed with firearms in Sabie on Thursday, 18 April 2024.
It is said that some suspected illegal miners who were armed, somehow got away as soon as they realized that Police were on the way, thereby evaded the arrest.
Whilst the astute members drew nearer to the scene, where illegal miners were conducting their business, a suspicious looking vehicle (white Colt single cab bakkie) was intercepted by the Police, between Nelspruit and Sabie.
The vehicle with five occupants was fully loaded with 23 bags of gold bearing material.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the luggage was being transported all the way from Ngodwana to Sabie, where Police suspects that the material was supposed to be processed.
Out of the five occupants that were inside the car, two are South Africans, aged 41 and 55, as well as three Zimbabwean nationals, aged between 33 and 39.
Neither one of the five had a permit to possess the gold bearing material hence they were apprehended and charged for unlawful possession of the material.
Meanwhile additional charges in relation to Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa were laid against the Zimbabwean nationals as they did not not have valid documention to be in the country. In this matter, Police are working in collaboration with officials from the department of Home Affairs.
The gold bearing material was seized during the arrest whilst the vehicle they were driving in, was also confiscated for further investigation as Police are adamant that the car was used in the commission of crime.
All five suspects are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 19 April 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General has applauded the team for the job well done.