Three suspects, aged between 22 and 25 were arrested by law enforcement agencies on Tuesday, 01 April 2025 during Operation Vala Umgodi in Barberton.
During an intelligence-driven operation at old fortune mine, the team consisting of the SANDF managed to arrest the suspects who were allegedly conducting illicit mining activities in the bushes. It was during this period when various items were confiscated and these include; old bearing materials, explosives, generators and steel balls. The equipment is believed to be used in illegal mining activities.
The suspects were charged for unlawful possession of explosives, possession of gold bearing materials and possession of illicit mining equipment.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 02 April 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi was elated by the arrests of the suspects.
Three suspects with explosives and gold bearing material arrested by police during operation Vala Umgodihttps://t.co/0ni520Ow1W#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/O5gURBvLH8
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 2, 2025
