A sting operation was conducted in Barberton earlier yesterday, Friday 18 July 2025 whereby a Zimbabwean national (32) was arrested, with explosives and medicine confiscated.
In spite of a negative narration, insinuating that Police are reluctant in dealing with crime in Barberton, the continuous 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 (04) safety fuse, and about nine boxes containing some cough medication, gold bearing material (rocks) as well as two portable scales.
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.
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 combatting 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 swiftly act on such information without any hesitation,” said the General.
A Zimbabwean man arrested in Barberton, found with explosives and medicinehttps://t.co/CzWE1fspgM#ArriveAlive #Explosives @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/H3a8QuJ8bA
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 20, 2025
