| 2025/01/02 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE – Operation Vala Umgodi operators in Free State received a tip-off about two males who were suspected to be carrying illegal firearms in Thabong, near Welkom. The team reacted swiftly and halted the targets in Dan Lekgwabane Street in Orange Groove Location. A search was conducted and a Black 7.65mm pistol with a filed-off serial number was found on one and a Silver blank gun on another. The two (2) suspects aged 21 and 23 were arrested and a case docket of Possession of unlicensed firearm was opened at Thabong Police Station. Operators conducted patrols in hotspot areas and at Merriespruit Slam Dam near R730 Road found an African male busy processing gold bearing material. The 55 year old suspect was arrested and gold bearing material weighing at 50.67 kilograms seized. The operation with Private Security Companies continued in Welkom area and another two (2) suspects were found busy with illegal mining activity at Stone and Allied. The males aged 31 and 35 were arrested and gold bearing material weighing at 67.50 kilograms; a shovel, pick axe, steel plate, basins and buckets were seized. Cases of Possession of suspected gold bearing material were opened at Virginia and Welkom Police Station respectively. The police arrested another suspect aged 25 at Masakeng – Ndaki Way and seized a burner pan, stumper, steel bowl and a garden spade together with gold bearing material weighing at 11.10 kilograms. Two (2) other males were found busy processing gold bearing material during the revisit of Rock Dump in Allenridge. Gold bearing material weighing at 30.86 kilograms was seized and the suspects aged 33 and 35 immediately arrested. Cases on illicit mining were opened at Thabong and Allenridge Police Stations respectively.
All suspects will appear before Court soon.
Enquiries:
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