Operation Vala Umgodi operators arrest suspect for unlawful possession of explosives

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Free State
 

FREE STATE – Members deployed for Border Policing and Illicit Mining under Operation Vala Umgodi in the Free State, arrested one (1) male for Contravention of Explosives Act 26 of 1956 on Thursday, 17 October 2024. The police followed up information of a suspect alleged to be having different explosives parts in Ficksburg town. The team held observation and pounced on the suspect in Piet Retief Street.

A search was conducted and; twenty  blasting cartridges, eight  electronic detonators, four boosters, two shock tubes and detonating cords were found inside the black bag which the suspect was carrying. The 34-year-old male, who is also a foreign national, was then arrested for Unlawful possession of explosives: Section 6(1) of Explosives Act 26/ 1956.

The suspect will appear in Ficksburg Magistrate Court soon.

Ends
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Lt Col Thabo Covane
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