| 2024/12/15 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – The intelligence of the Police has assisted members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi with information that led to the arrest of three male suspects, aged between 22 and 37 on charges in relation to illegal mining activities. According to the report, the three were arrested at Ermelo on Thursday, 12 December 2024 after members received information through Intelligence regarding Illicit mining activities being conducted near a certain country club in Ermelo. Members then proceeded to the said area with a well-coordinated plan in order for the operation to be successful. Members tactically approached the vicinity and some of the alleged illegal miners fled to evade arrest the team got closer. They then observed that some of these individuals were armed. At that moment it is said that other alleged illegal miners began to open fire towards the Police. As a result, members are said to have responded accordingly, and in the process one alleged illegal miner was fatally wounded. At the scene where the lifeless body of the said man was found, a firearm was also recovered. It was during this time when the three male persons were cornered and arrested. Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident is still under investigation and due to the allegations that SAPS members were involved in the shooting, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will conduct their own investigation. Meanwhile the three are expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 facing a charge of illegal mining.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has appreciated the arrest of the three suspects and reiterated that Police will continue to heightened visibility in areas often experiencing illegal mining activities through Operation Vala Umgodi. Ends
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