A total of 11 suspects, including an official working for the Department of Correctional Services, were arrested yesterday, Thursday 11 April 2024, for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
The suspects were cornered at a certain farm at a place called Noordkaap in Barberton outside Nelspruit.
The arrest of the suspects came when Police followed up on information after a certain farm owner opened a case of trespassing earlier this month (April 2024) against some people who allegedly carried out illegal mining activities inside his farm without his consent.
After information was gathered, an intelligence driven operation was conducted by Police members, attached to Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
Prior to members reaching the targeted area, a suspicious looking light delivery vehicle (bakkie) with Zimbabwean registration number plates was spotted with four occupants inside.
This bakkie was then stopped and searched by the astute members. It was during the search when suspected illegal mining equipment, including suspected gold bearing materials were discovered.
The four suspects, aged between 33 and 46, were arrested on the spot. Besides the Correctional Services official, there were other two South Africans, as well as a Zimbabwean national.
Thereafter, the team proceeded to their destination where, upon arrival, seven other Zimbabwean Nationals, aged between 30 and 41, were caught red-handed, digging in the said farm. Some illegal mining equipment, including a metal detector was also found in their possession.
Police are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the seven suspects who failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country. As a result, an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa was levelled against them.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 12 April 2024.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the illegal mining equipment.