Operation Vala uMgodi operators together with other role players such as South African National Defense Force and stakeholders like Private Security continue to stamp the authority of State on illegal mining in the Free State Province. The integrated JOINTS team continues to conduct disruptive policing actions and different operational concepts such as roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, patrols on foot; vehicles and air-to-ground drone policing including compliance inspections.
Frequent police actions are carried out at hotspot and flash point areas such as Beatrix Old Mine Shaft, Western Holdings 5 Old Mine, Brand 2 Shaft, Merriespruit Evaporation Dam, Slam Dam in Odendaalsrus, Phomolong Informal Settlement, Bronville dumping site, G-Hostel is Constantia Road and Ndaki Way in Thabong.
During the past week of operational planned actions, the police apprehended 11 suspects; 10 males and one female involved in illegal mining activities. The suspects, aged between 21 and 63, were found either busy on an open cast/ pit, busy with separation process or in possession of gold bearing material and/ or gold processing equipment.
A total weight of 211.66 kilograms of gold bearing material; four garden spades three pick axe, two shovels, six steel plates, four rubber balls, burning pan, strainer, steel stumper and a holder were also seized. Cases with charges of Possession of suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment, Trespassing on mine area and Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at different police stations. The arrested suspects will appear before Court soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to stamp the authority of the State on Illegal Mining https://t.co/3CDarbSKU4#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/QyN8P7ur2y
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 24, 2025
