Operation Vala uMgodi Combat and Proactive operators; supported by drone pilots continue to conduct disruptive policing actions in various identified illicit mining hotspot areas.
The team, that includes South African National Defense Force and Private Security Companies executed a number of operational concepts in Flamingo Park notorious of smelt houses, Merriespruit Evaporation Dam area, St Helena Old Mine area, Beatrix Old Shaft 4 where open cast illegal mining often happens and G-Hostel Constantia Road in Thabong.
Five (5) males were arrested by the police and 106.91 kilograms of gold bearing material was seized. Gold processing equipment such as Mapp gas bottles (3), 9kg gas bottles (5), industrial oxygen cylinders (3), connector pipes (red-brown-blue 20 meters in length), regulators, cutting torches and nozzles, garden spades, steel plates, burner pans and crusable pots were confiscated. Cases dockets of Possession of suspected gold bearing material, gold processing equipment with additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened in Thabong, Theunissen, Virginia and Welkom Police Stations.
See the photos of the items below that were seized from them👇
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The partnership between South African Police Service and Private Security Companies recovered 1500 Red detonators at Kopanang Mine. Bomb Disposal and Explosives Experts Unit were summoned to the mine to handle the explosives after they were found left behind by illegal underground miners.
Free State Policespokesperson Lt Col Thabo Covane said all arrested suspects will appear before Court on Friday 2 May 2025