| 2025/01/12 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – An Intelligence driven operation conducted by members of the Police, assigned to carry out duties in relation to Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga, has led to the arrests of two suspects, aged 36 and 37 at Mashobota shaft situated in Schoemanskloof area outside Nelspruit on 11 January 2025. The suspects are facing several charges, including trespassing, possession of illegal mining equipment as well as Contravention of Immigration Act. Their arrests came after Proactive and Combat team acted on received information about illegal mining activities taking place around the said area hence the operation was executed. The operation indeed yielded positive results as the two suspects were caught unexpected and Police also learnt that they did not have valid documentation to be in the country hence the investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the country. The duo is expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 January 2025 facing the said charges. Meanwhile the 15 suspects that were recently arrested, namely Paulo Mazang (21), Lucas Khoza (25), Flavio Chauque (33), James Sithole (37), Julian Hahlane (28), Antonio Manjete (38), Alberto Mhlanga, 26, Malinga Sarucal (32), Audio Machava (20) Mandlati Aurerio (2, Samuel Mlambo (49), Simbine Joao (25), Armando Marceta (37), Donald Masingo (21) and Joseph Mdluli (42) were all remanded in custody by the same court after making their first appearance on Friday, 10 January 2025 for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. These suspects were arrested on the 09 January 2025 by the dedicated members that were conducting (VCP) Vehicle Check Points along the R38 Road in Barberton. As a result, the 15 were arrested and charged accordingly. Their case was postponed to 17 January 2025 for a formal bail application. Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his gratitude for the impact that Operation Vala Umgodi is making in the province. Ends
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