Operation Vala Umgodi led to one suspect arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties

A 35-year-old man has been arrested by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 22 February 2025 after being found in possession of suspected stolen properties.

The said members were conducting stop-and-searches along the R38 Road towards Carolina and it was during this time when they stopped a blue A45 Mercedes Benz with one occupant inside. Upon searching, several items including two water pumps, an electrical submissible Pump, a Pump and Valve, valued at R200 000 were found inside the vehicle. The items are believed to be from a certain mine in Barberton.

The male suspect failed to give proper explanation on how the items landed in his possession hence he was apprehended and charged for possession of suspected stolen properties. The confiscation of the items forms part of ongoing police investigation.

The mine has since indicated to the Police that there are some items that have disappeared from their premises and the seized items could as well be the ones that belong to the mine.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court facing the said charge.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga has hailed the arrest of the suspect as well as the recovery of the items. The General further emphasized that Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to be rolled out to curb illegal mining activities throughout the province.