The multidisciplinary team assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga apprehended three suspects, aged between 20 and 36 during the time they carried out their duties at Barberton area on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
The members from National Roving team and from K9 Unit nabbed the suspects during a disruptive operation. It was during this period when they discovered that the suspects had no valid documentation to be in the country. They were also found with some explosives and gold processing equipment, as well as gold bearing material (three nuggets gold), estimated at about R300 000.
During the operation, illicit mining equipment were confiscated, including gas cylinders, oxygen cylinders, explosives, gold bearing material, and other items.
Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
The suspects were charged accordingly and are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has acknowledged with much appreciation, the impact made by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi.
