Police in Mpumalanga province has confirmed an arrest of five illegal miners during Operation Vala Umgodi at Slaaihoek in the outskirt of Waterval Boven in the Ehlanzeni area on Saturday.
According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli,the operation involved members of Combat,Pro-active,Tactical Response Team,Crime Intelligence,Operational Support Team as well as the South African National Defence Force(SANDF).During the disruptive operation,five(05) suspects,aged between 28 and 42,were apprehended for various offences,including illegal mining,contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa as well as for unlawful possession of equipment including suspected to be used during illegal mining activities.The men and women in Blue also confiscated items such as generators,a gas cylinder,gas regulator,some gas pipes and other equipment.
Brigadier Mdhluli said the suspects are expected to appear at the Belfast Magistrate's Court on Monday,23 December 2024 facing the said charges.
He added that meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga,Major General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has applauded members for the job well done and intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
Police confiscated unpolished diamonds in Northern Cape
Nine suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi which comprised South African Police Service(SAPS),South African National Defence Force(SANDF) and private security,and during that operation the law enforcement discovered unpolished diamonds in Kleinzee,Northern Cape on Friday.
Sergeant Molefi Shemane said intelligence driven information was received by members regarding alleged illegal mining activities taking place at a farm near Koingnaas.
He clarified that the operation was successfully because suspects were arrested and illegal diamonds were confiscated.
"The members,together with Vetus Private Security,operationalised the information and tactically approached the farm and apprehended nine suspects.
"Suspected unpolished diamonds were found in possession of a 31-year-old suspect,and another suspected unpolished diamond was found in possession of another 33-year-old suspect.
The nine suspects between the ages of 30 and 47 were apprehended for illegal mining,possession of suspected unpolished diamonds,undocumented persons,theft,and trespassing,"said Sergeant Shemane.
He added that mining implements and a knife were found in possession of the suspects and confiscated by the police.