Operation Vala Umgodi has once again yielded some positive results in the province of Mpumalanga. The sentiment comes after the arrest of four suspects, aged between 30 and 35 yesterday, Thursday 20 June 2024.
According to a report members of the SAPS assigned to carry out the operation in the province, were busy making a follow-up on intelligence information regarding some vehicles which were reportedly suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities in the area of Schoemanskloof and Machadodorp.
Whilst busy following up on this information, the astute members spotted a white Ford Ranger bakkie with two occupants inside.
It is further said that the vehicle suddenly stopped along the roadside, and one occupant fled the scene upon noticing the men and women in Blue, leaving behind his fellow companion.
A search was then conducted by the team and it was during this time when members discovered about 20 bags of raw gold. The remaining suspect, who is a Zimbabwean national was immediately arrested by the Police and was charged accordingly. The investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain his status in the country. The man could be charged with contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Members continued with the operation at the same spot and it was during this period when a suspicious blue Toyota Corolla sedan with four male occupants emerged but before members could halt this car, its driver is said to have stopped the car then went out and disappeared into the bushes, leaving behind the other three occupants.
A search was then conducted during this time when members discovered about four buckets of raw gold hidden in the boat of the car.
The three men were arrested and charged accordingly.
All four arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon facing the charges of illegal possession of suspected gold-bearing materials.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest of the suspects.
