Suspects arrested for illegal mining activities by Operation Vala Umgodi Team in the Free State

Operation Vala Umgodi team members continue to execute different operational concepts against illicit mining in Free State Province.

Operators carried out foot and vehicle patrols as well as drones policing in Beatrix Mine, The Kraal area. Four males were spotted busy with illegal mining activities at an open pit. The suspects were accosted and the police seized gold bearing material weighing at 37.48 kilograms. The suspects, aged between 25 and 51, were immediately arrested. A case docket of possession of suspected gold bearing material with additional charges of trespassing on mine area and contravention of the Immigration Act was opened Theunissen Police Station.

The operation was extended to hotspot areas where three other suspects aged 18, 26 and 43 were found busy processing gold bearing material in G-Hostel Thabong Extension 4. Three phendukas, two stumping pots and a stumper were confiscated. Gold bearing material weighing at 42.60 kilograms was also seized. A case of possession of suspected gold bearing material; gold processing equipment with additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act was opened.

Operation Vala Umgodi also focused on human trafficking, a crime often linked to illicit mining. A joined roadblock was assembled along Voortrekker Street near Ventersburg in a bid to search busses headed for Goldfields area. A total number of 23 undocumented persons were apprehended. Cases of contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Ventersburg Police Station.

All suspects will appear before different Courts soon.