| 2024/03/20 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – Operation Vala Umgodi yields positive results as a 41-year-old Zimbabwean National was arrested in Ermelo for illegal mining. The suspect was arrested by members of operation Vala Umgodi team, which comprised of different police disciplines. The members were conducting normal patrol duties when the suspect was caught at a certain mine in Ermelo. According to the report, the suspect was found with three bags of 25 kg’s, loaded with coal that was allegedly extracted from the mine The suspect could not provide the mining permit when requested to do so. He is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court soon During his arrest, some illegal mining equipment, including the wheel barrow, shovel and pick-axe were seized for further investigation. Pending further investigation, Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding a charge for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa and members are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain his status in the country.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended members for their hard work. “The team assigned to work on Operation Vala Umgodi are working hard to deal with illicit mining activities. What is even more concerning is the fact that illegal digging up of trenches can be deadly,” said the General.
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