The suspects were arrested while police were conducting a routine vehicle checks and they stopped and searched a maroon vehicle with three occupants along the R38 Road in Barberton. Photo: Supplied/SAPS
Image: SAPS
In a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, Mpumalanga police arrested six suspects aged between 22 and 38 in Barberton after they were allegedly found in possession of prohibited explosives suspected to be used in illegal mining activities.
The arrests came during a routine vehicle checks along the R38 Road, where police stopped a maroon vehicle containing three occupants and conducted a thorough search.
According to Provincial Police Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the search revealed an alarming cache of explosives, including four superpower 90 blasting cartridges, a capped fuse, and nine metres of detonating cord.
These materials are suspected to have been intended for use in illegal mining operations—a growing concern within the region.
Furthermore, two of the arrested individuals were found to be lacking valid documentation to be in the county and have been additionally charged under the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Ndubane said preliminary indicated that the explosives were destined for illicit activities
The suspects were charged with possession of prohibited explosives, and their vehicle has been seized by the authorities.
As the operations continued, three more individuals were apprehended for failing to provide adequate documentation for their presence in the country.
All suspects are scheduled to appear before the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial police commissioner, reiterated the police's firm stance against illegal mining and declared the continuation of Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining activities.
In Limpopo, four suspects, three Zimbabwean and one Mozambican, were arrested following the discovery of an illegal gold processing laboratory along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele policing area under Mopani District.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects who were identified as: Jonh Vondo, 39, Hardlife Manjoko, 35, Biggie Chimwero, 36, from Zimbabwe and Samuel Almeida Mashaba, 46, Mozambican appeared at Ritavi Magistrate's Court on Monday, February 10.
"They are facing charges of illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. They were remanded in custody until February 18 for formal bail... Mashaba also faces charges of contravening the Immigration Act," said Ledwaba.
Additionally, two of these suspects are alleged to be the primary kingpins driving the illicit mining activities in the area.
"During the operation, police seized various items believed to have been used in the illegal processing of minerals, including containers with carbon ashes (presumed to be precious minerals), gas bottles, sulfuric acids and oxygen cylinders," Ledwaba added.
Furthermore, two cars: a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates, thought to be owned by the two alleged kingpins, were confiscated by law enforcement.
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