A total of 27 suspects, aged between 20 and 47, were netted at Extension 11 in Barberton area during Operation Vala Umgodi and members deployed in Mpumalanga are not backing down. Amongst these suspects, eleven (11) are undocumented foreign nationals. One (01) suspect was found in possession of explosives and another one was found in possession of Ammunition. Another suspect was caught in possession of dagga and nine (09) of the suspects were nabbed for public drinking and two fines were issued during the Operation.
The Senior Officers from Provincial Office, Combat, Proactive, POP team, and Security Guards from I.Secure Security Company and Business against crime carried out a disruptive operation in the Barberton area on Saturday, 19 April 2025. It was during this time when the suspects were cornered.
During their arrest, the astute members managed to confisticate liquor, explosives, and ammunition.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to heighten their visibility in those prevalent areas where illegal mining activities are taking place.
