Police in Mpumalanga apprehended a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national after he was found with explosives,gold-bearing material(rocks) and boxes of medication in Barberton on Friday.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli,Provincial SAPS Spokesperson confirmed that police raided that area after receiving information about individuals that are involved in drug activities, then upon arrival in the area law enforcement agencies were tipped about the person who is selling explosives.
"In spite of negative narration,insinuating that police are reluctant in dealing with crime in Barberton,the continous operations carried out,gives a clear indication of the sheer determination by the men and women in blue in Mpumalanga to successfully eradicate crime in the area.
"The operation was collaboratively executed by several specialized units,including Mpumalanga Organized Crime Investigation,Crime Intelligence(CI),Tactical Response Team(TRT),the White River K9 Unit,and Hi-Tech Security company.
"Acting on reliable intelligence regarding individuals engaged in illegal drug activities,the dedicated members obtained a search warrant and commenced with the operation at approximately 05:00 am.While conducting a thorough search of the premises,the team received further details indicating that there was a male person that was reportedly involved in selling of some explosives within the same residence.
During the search,police managed to apprehend the suspect and recovered some illegal items,including 89 Electronic Detonators,49 Superpower Blusting cartridges,a 6-metre detonating cord,four(4) safety fuse,and about nine boxes containing some cough medication,gold bearing material(rocks) as well as two portable scales,"said Brigadier Mdhluli.
He highlighted that the suspect might be a supplier of explosives to the zama-zamas and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
"The suspect was charged for illegal possession of explosives,illegal possession of gold-bearing material,and illegal possession of medication.Preliminary investigations suggest that he may have been supplying these items to illegal mining operations in the area.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Monday,21 July 2025 facing the said charges,"he added.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga,Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed the swift action taken by the members."This operation underscores our commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities.Barberton area has been our concern and we made a promise to deal with the situation.So far our continuous operations are yielding positive results.We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle networks involved in that area.We urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities and we will swiflty act on such information without any hesitation,"said the General,concluded Brigadier Mdhluli.