The sterling work of the Vala Umgodi Task Team in Limpopo, has led to the discovery of an illegal mining processing operation in the Mopani District, and arrest of four foreign nationals, including two suspected kingpins. The arrests followed a well-coordinated operation carried out by the Mopani District Vala Umgodi Task Team, with support from the Tactical Joint Operational Centre (TACJOC) Detectives, and Airwing Drone Pilots.
On Saturday, 8th February 2025, at approximately 13:00, law enforcement authorities executed a tactical joint operation at a compound farm along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele policing area. The operation targeted illegal activities linked to the processing of presumed gold materials.
As a result of the operation, four males aged between 35 and 46 were arrested. Two of these individuals are suspected to be the main kingpins behind the illegal mining activities. One of the suspects was found to be in the country without the necessary documentation.
During the operation, police seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of the minerals, including: 06 x 50 kg containers with carbon ashes (presumed to be precious minerals), 02 x 9 kg, gas bottles, 01 x 3 kg container of nitric acid (full),
01 x 40 kg container of sulphuric acid 98% (full), 01 x 33-litre container of nitric acid (quarter full, 55%-60%), 02 x 14 kg Air Liquide industrial oxygen cylinders, 02 x gauges with pipe and one (1) cutting nozzle, 01 x cutting nozzle, bunches of steel wool.
Furthermore, two vehicles, a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz, both with Gauteng registration plates, believed to be belonging to the two suspected kingpins were seized.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the successful operation, praising the investigative efforts and the dedication of the task team.
The four suspects will face charges related to the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials, as well as an additional charge for contravention of the Immigration Act and are expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10th February 2025.
Police discover alleged laboratory used for gold processing in Mopani District and arrest four foreign nationals https://t.co/PdrNbEnYdy#ArriveAlive #Laboratory #GoldProcessing @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/NEYaJGx4lo
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 9, 2025
