The joint Operation Vala uMgodi roleplayers and stakeholders continue to make strides against illicit mining in Free State Province. Combat and Proactive operators, drone pilots, members of the South African National Defense Force and Private Security Companies executed different operational concepts such as foot; motor vehicle and air-to-ground patrols using drone in the bushes, old mine shafts, ventilations, visit smelt houses, conducted way-lays and roadblocks to disrupt illegal mining activities.
Hotspots and flash points such as Western Holdings Old Mine, Steyn 2 Skomplaas, G-Hostel, 9th Street, Phomolong Informal Settlement and Straighten in Thabong were patrolled and a total number of nine (9) suspects aged between 29 and 50 were found either on open cast or pit busy with illegal mining activities or busy with separation process.
Gold bearing material weighing at 3 082.62 kilograms was seized and gold processing equipment; 57 kg Acytelene cylinder, 66 kg Oxygen cylinder fitted with red and blue pipes and regulators, cutting torch nozzle, burner pan, garden spade and steel plates were also confiscated. A White Toyota Hilux LDV was also booked in Evidence Management System as it was used in illegal mining activity.
Case dockets of Possession of suspected gold bearing material; processing equipment with additional charges of Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Bronville, Thabong, and Welkom Police Stations. Suspects will appear before Court soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi teams fight against illicit mining https://t.co/VqxlRK0ckF#ArriveAlive #IllicitMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/75AlgyAafX
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 9, 2025
