The diligent efforts of the Vhembe District Police, as part of the Intelligence Driven Operation Vala Umgodi, have led to the apprehension of a 40-year-old male suspect involved in illegal mining activities and the recovery of suspected stolen properties.
In a meticulously planned operation on Thursday, 23 May 2024, a joint task force of multi-disciplinary forces acted on precise intelligence regarding illicit gold mining operations in Muchipis village, located in Vhembe outside Malamulele. As a result of their swift action, the 40-year-old suspect was arrested at his residence, where he was found in possession of suspected stolen mining equipment.
Furthermore, during the operation, a 45-year-old male suspect was apprehended for the unlawful possession of unwrought precious metals in an abandoned structure within Muchipis village, while a 34-year-old male suspect was arrested for contravening immigration laws in a separate location within the same area.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the three arrested suspects may have been collaborating in illegal mining activities within the Muchipis area.
Among the seized items were essential mining equipment, including four jackhammers, eight electrical motors, four wheelbarrows, power generator, three bags of gold-bearing material, four shovels, grinder, and a set of SAPS ceremonial uniforms.
Additionally, in a separate operation at the Tinmyne police precinct in the Waterberg District, twenty-three suspects were arrested on Thursday, 23 May 2024, for various offenses, including possession of illicit cigarettes, trading in contaminated foodstuffs, and contravention of immigration laws.
“The South African Police Service remains committed to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens” Reiterated the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe in appreciation of the collaborative efforts by the teams involved, which resulted in the arrest and confiscation of the equipment as well as Illicit cigarettes.
The suspects will appear before various Magistrate’s Courts in due course.
Vhembe District Police recovers stolen SAPS uniforms and apprehends illegal gold mining kingpin during high-density Operation Vala Umgodi https://t.co/wlpAX9gH0W#ArriveAlive #IllegalGoldMining #Kingpin @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/PJqw3xK7Rl
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 24, 2024