Operation Vala Umgodi Team raided illegal miners hideouts in Vierfontein policing precinct

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

FREE STATE – Joint Operation Vala uMgodi role players; South African Police Service and South African National Defence Force raided different places identified as hideouts for illegal miners in Vierfontein Police Station area. Crime pattern and trends analysis indicated that certain formal and informal settlements are harbouring perpetrators of several offences, including assaults, robbery, rapes, theft of mine property and so forth.

Jumbo, Stokkiesdraai, Black Ace hostel and Margaret Shaft taxi rank were all patrolled on foot, including vehicle and air patrols as well as drones (smart policing). A 50-year-old male was arrested at Black Ace hostel for possession of unlicensed firearm. Operators searched a unit and found a firearm with an empty magazine. A case of possession of unlicensed firearm was opened at Vierfontein Police Station. The 50-year-old foreign national will appear in Court soon.

At Jumbo, a total of 30 810 millilitres of beer was confiscated and a 34-year-old female arrested. A written warning to appear before court with an option to pay a fine was issued to her for selling liquor whilst she is not duly registered to do so in terms of Free State Gambling and Liquor Act.

Ends

Enquiries:
Lt Col Thabo Covane
082 461 7473 or 082 757 2233

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