| 2024/04/15 |
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Media Statement BLOEMFONTEIN – The multi-disciplinary approach through Operation Vala Umgodi in the Free State, continues to clean the streets and eliminate illegal mining activities. The focus of the operation still continues in the North Western part of the province, where mines are the main focus. The team is also addressing other crimes such as robberies, kidnapping, trespassing, illegal possession of stolen goods, unlicensed firearms, as well as possession of gold-bearing material. The week between 08 April 2024 and 15 April 2024 saw more than 57 undocumented persons being arrested including two male suspects being arrested during the operation in Welkom. Members, while on patrol, confiscated illicit mining equipment and arrested the two, aged 41 and 35, in the Welkom area. One suspect was also arrested after he was found in possession of a gold nugget. While the team was busy with stop and searches in the area of Virginia, they stopped a 47-year-old male and searched him; in his possession, members found an unlicensed firearm. One male suspect, aged 32, was also arrested after he was found in possession of copper cables and copper pipes in Thabong. Tuck shops were visited around Allanridge, Welkom and Meloding and expired products were found and confiscated. Business owners were fined for selling expired and damaged foods to the communities. As stop-and-search operations continued, two males and a female were arrested on suspicion of stock theft after they were found in possession of fresh meat. The three could not clearly explain where they got the meat from. Patrol operations continue in areas such as Welkom, Viljoenskroon, Thabong, Vierfontein, Bothaville, Wesselsbron, Virginia and Allanridge. The disruptive operations continued throughout the week and 1236 people were searched while 370 vehicles were checked during the sporadic vehicle checkpoints held in and around Lejweleputswa. Operation Vala Umgodi continues and the arrested suspects will appear in court in the respective areas of detention. Ends
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