The South African Police Service (SAPS), Sekhukhune Vala Umgodi Task Team, conducted a series of high-visibility patrols and intelligence-led operations on 13 August 2025, resulting in the recovery of a firearm and several arrests as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, illicit firearms trafficking, and related criminal activity.
During the operations, at about 03:50 in Spitskop Portions 06 and 07, officers observed a white Ford Ranger LDV bakkie loading minerals believed to be Chromite ore. Four adult male occupants were found on site illegally mining Chromite ore; they were arrested and their equipment seized.
At about 07:50, following up on information, intelligence led officers to Botshabelo Hostel in Tukakgomo village, where a hunting rifle, 303 calibre, with 20 rounds of ammunition was recovered. A 41-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the firearm, which was linked to a reported stolen firearm case at Krugersdorp Police Station. The suspect will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, with additional charges to be considered as investigations proceed.
At about 09:45, the team intensified high-visibility patrols in Tukakgomo village, resulting in the arrest of nine illegal immigrants. They will be processed in terms of immigration-law processes.
These operations form part of SAPS’s efforts to disrupt illegal mining, firearms trafficking, and immigration violations. The SAPS remains committed to disrupting criminal networks involved in illegal mining, firearms trafficking, and immigration violations, and will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols and intelligence-driven operations to protect communities and uphold the law.
