Three Mozambicans arrested for possession of unwrought gold-precious metal valued at R800 000 and one Zimbabwean was arrested for bribing the police officer in Delmas,Mpumalanga province.
The police confirmed that the multidisciplinary team was performing patrol duties on the N12 route under the bridge in Delmas off ramp when they noticed a white Toyota Fortuner without registrations on both sides. The vehicle was stopped and searched, and unwrought gold-precious metal was found inside a white plastic bag, with an estimated street value of R800 000.
The police said three Mozambican nationals, aged between 24 and 34, were arrested on the spot for possession of unwrought gold and for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country.
The statement revealed that the police arrested a fourth foreign national which came to the police station with money to bribe the officer so that can his friends will be released.
“While the members were at Delmas police station, charging the suspects at about 02:00 in the morning, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national approached one of the officers and offered a bribe of R5000-00 to secure the release of his brothers, who were arrested earlier. He was arrested on the spot for bribing a police officer and charged with bribery,” added the SAPS.
The SAPS stated that the four suspects are expected to appear at Delmas Magistrate's Court on 15 December 2025, facing the said charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the members for their exceptional work and dedication. He also warned foreign nationals that the Mpumalanga province will not tolerate any criminal activities.
“We are pleased with the success of this operation and the efforts of our members in preventing and combating crime. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who break the law are brought to book and tried. We urge all members of the community to report any information about crime to the police, and to work with us to create a safer and more secure environment for all individuals, particularly during the festive season,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.