The suspects, aged between 24 and 41, were apprehended while deep underground in a mining shaft near Theunissen. At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of a significant amount of illicit goods, including: Ten (10) stolen underground mine telephones, twenty-four (24) bottles of cough syrup, quantities of instant porridge, dagga, Mercury and a scale.

All five suspects have been detained and are facing charges including: Possession of suspected stolen property, Contravention of the Mine Health and Safety Act, Underground trespassing, Contravention of the Immigration Act

The success of Operation Vala Umgodi underscores the commitment of law enforcement and mine security to combat illegal mining activities, which pose significant threats to the economy, infrastructure, and the safety of individuals.

Free State Policespokesperson Sergent Mahlomola Kareli said Investigations continue, and the suspects are expected to appear in the Theunissen magistrate court soon.

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Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli

Free State Provincial Corporate Communication said the operations, which included joint efforts with mine security, focused on addressing the possession of illegal contraband, trespassing, and immigration offenses.

On 19 June 2025, a joint operation with mine security at a local mine in Vierfontein led to the arrest of four individuals. Two females were arrested for trespassing, and one male was apprehended for contravention of the Immigration Act. In a significant breakthrough, another male was arrested after an illegal firearm, suspected gold-bearing material, dagga, and components of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform were discovered locked in his locker.

In a separate incident on June 18, 2025, the “Vala Umgodi” reaction team, in collaboration with mine security, discovered a hole on the mine premises during special patrol duties. Upon scaling down into the hole, officers found packaged and sealed food destined for underground, along with explosive detonators. No arrests have been made in connection with this discovery, and investigations are ongoing.

On 18 June 2025 at about 18:00, while conducting patrols in Theunissen, the “Vala Umgodi” team discovered a resting or sleeping place utilized by illegal miners. Two males found at the location were arrested, food and items associated with illegal mining activities were seized.

Furthermore, on 17 June 2025, at approximately 17:15, the multi-disciplinary team arrested three males, aged 45 and 32, after they were found in possession of gold-bearing material in the mine premises at Theunissen.

These operations emphasizes the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of mining communities and protecting national resources. Further investigations are underway in all these cases, and more arrests are not ruled out.

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