Operation Vala Umgodi operators executed various sweep operational concepts through flash points in Thabong Extension near Welkom on Saturday 5 October 2024.
At about 13:15 the team pounced on seven suspects busy washing gold ores from gold bearing sand. Gold bearing material weighing at 40.02 kilograms, one self-made phenduka, phenduka stand and seven metal balls thrown inside phenduka to facilitate separation process were seized by the police.
A case docket of possession of suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment with an additional charge of Contravention of the Immigration Act was opened at Thabong Police Station. The seven suspects were then detained in police custody and will appear in Welkom Magistrate Court soon.