BY: LETHABO MATHOLE
An official from the Correctional Services was among the 11 suspects arrested by the police for alleged illegal mining in Barberton.
Eleven suspects, including an official working for the Department of Correctional Services, were arrested yesterday, Thursday, April 11, 2024, for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the suspects were cornered at a certain farm at a place called Noordkaap in Barberton outside Nelspruit.
The police followed up on information after a certain farm owner opened a case of trespassing earlier this month (April 2024) against some people who allegedly carried out illegal mining activities inside his farm without his consent.
Mdhluli said that after information was gathered, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted by Police members, attached to Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
Prior to members reaching the targeted area, a suspicious-looking light delivery vehicle (bakkie) with Zimbabwean registration number plates was spotted with four occupants inside.
“This bakkie was stopped and searched by the police. It was during the search that suspected illegal mining equipment, including suspected gold-bearing materials, were discovered,” said Mdhluli.
He added that about four suspects, aged between 33 and 46, were arrested on the spot. Besides the Correctional Services official, there were two other South Africans, as well as a Zimbabwean national.
“Thereafter, the team proceeded to their destination where, upon arrival, seven other Zimbabwean Nationals, aged between 30 and 41, were caught red-handed, digging on the said farm. Some illegal mining equipment, including a metal detector, was also found in their possession,” explained Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
According to Mdhluli, the police are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the seven suspects who failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country. As a result, an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa was leveled against them.
Mdhluli said the arrested men are expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment.
