| 2024/12/26 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – An intelligent driven operation conducted by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga, resulted in the arrests of 19 suspects, aged between 22 and 39 on Thursday 26 December 2024 at Barberton old mine. Three firearms were also confiscated during the operation. Amongst the arrested suspects, 11 are foreign nationals whilst 8 are South Africans, and they were nabbed after members from Crime Intelligence received information about illegal mining activities being carried out in an abandoned mine in Barberton. Members of the SAPS with the assistance from the South African National Defence Force’s Improvised Explosive Demolition Devices Team managed to swiftly corner the suspects. The items seized from the suspects include a shotgun, revolver, 303 Rifle, about 32 live ammunition, as well as one cartridge case. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, aged 39, found in possession of a firearm is out on parole after his sentencing for murder. The rifle confiscated was reportedly stolen and a case was opened in Barberton Police Station. The other suspects were found in possession of explosives, and are facing a charge of illegal mining while others were charged for contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa. The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 December 2024. Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (DR) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcome the effort made by the men and women in Blue to fight illegal mining activities. Their hard work paid off as firearms, as well as explosives and other equipment used in illegal mining activities were confiscated. Ends
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