Seven South African Nationals and two Zimbabwean Nationals were arrested for possession of suspected stolen coal in Ermelo earlier this morning, Sunday 21 April 2024.
Police deployed on Operation Vala Umgodi operationalised crime intelligent driven information after a lengthy observation.
This morning between 04:40 and 05:30, police followed the gathered information began with making their presence felt at Goldview Gravel Road near Ermelo.
Two trucks as well as a Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) / bakkie were stopped by the astute members. This was followed by a search and it was during this time when the team discovered that the vehicles were fully loaded with coal.
The occupants could not provide proof of purchase and as a result, they were apprehended for possession of suspected stolen coal.
Amongst the arrested suspects, seven are South Africans, aged between 22 and 44 meanwhile the other two are Zimbabweans, both aged 41. Additional charges with regard to Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa were laid against the foreign nationals as they did not have valid documentation to be in the country. On this matter, Police are working collaborately with officials from the Department of Home Affairs.
The three vehicles were seized for further investigation whilst the suspects are expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 April 2024.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General, Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspects. The General further commended members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi as they are working tirelessly to clamp down on illegal mining.