Operation Vala Umgodi team arrests five suspects during disruptive actions in hotspots areas

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

FREE STATE – Operation Vala uMgodi roleplayers and stakeholders continue to conduct disruptive actions in illicit mining hot spot areas in Free State Province.

The team conducted various operational concepts; foot, vehicle, air-to-ground drone patrols and stop-and-search in Riebeckstad Holding Street, Phomolong-Rheeder Park Welkom, Mahlaranghleng Allenridge and G-Hostel Thabong Extension 4. Five (5) suspects aged between 24 and 48 were arrested for illegal mining activities during the operation.

The police confiscated 19kg Oxygen cylinders [4], 9kg gas bottles [3], green-red-brown connector pipes, cutting torches and nozzles, steel plates, galvanized steel drum, strainers and crusable pots. Members also seized 45.76 kilograms of gold bearing material.

Cases of Possession of suspected gold bearing material: gold processing equipment with additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Welkom, Thabong and Allenridge Police Stations. The five (5) arrested suspects will appear before Court soon.
End

Enquiries:
Lt Col Thabo Covane
082 461 7473
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za