| 2024/03/30 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – The sterling efforts displayed by law enforcement agencies assigned to execute duties in relation to Operation Vala Umgodi proved successful with the arrest of nine suspects and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. This time around the focus was at a certain farm in Schoemanskloof outside Nelspruit on Friday, 29 March 2024. A report indicates that the members acted upon intelligence driven information about illegal mining activities on the farm’s mountain. The team, which is comprised of various disciplines within the SAPS, as well as officials from the department of Home Affairs, operationalized the information. On the team’s arrival at the farm, a group of alleged illegal miners, upon noticing police presence, fled the scene into the dense bushes in an attempt to evade arrest. However, the dedicated team managed to corner nine suspects aged between 24 and 63. Seven of the suspects were arrested on charges of contravention of the Immigration Act as they are without valid documentation to be in the country whilst two others were nabbed for possession of gold bearing materials as well as for possession of suspected illegal mining equipment respectively. Police then proceeded with the operation and conducted a thorough search within the dense bushes and it was during this period when 30 generators as well as eight jack hammers, three phendukas, two electric motors, two gas cylinders, 13 shovels, 11 spades, 16 pick axes, 45 chisels and 19 hammers were confiscated. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspects and applauded members for their unwavering commitment in battling illegal mining activities. Ends
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