In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the South African Police Service
(SAPS) in Mpumalanga seized two firearms and various mining equipment during
Operation Vala Umgodi.

On March 14th, at Beetgekraal in Maartenshoop, a 64-year-old man was found in
possession of an unlicensed .38 special revolver with five spent cartridges. Further
investigation led authorities to an address in Limpopo, where an expired R1 assault rifle
license was discovered, resulting in the man’s arrest for possession of unlicensed
firearms.

Separately, in Ogies, two private employees were caught illegally extracting coal from a
shallow dig, prompting authorities to seize an excavator and a truck used in the
operation.

Meanwhile, in Pilgrims Rest on March 15th, police confiscated several mining
equipment, including three penduka’s, gas bottles, and four electric motors. Additionally,
a 38-year-old suspect was arrested in Barberton for unlawful possession of mercury.

The successful operations highlight the Mpumalanga SAPS’s commitment to combating
illegal mining and associated criminal activities. Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen.
Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the members for their hard work in
fighting crime and tackling the thorny issue of illegal mining.

All suspects are expected to appear in various courts soon to face charges related to
their alleged offences. The SAPS’s decisive action sends a strong message that illegal
mining and possession of unlicensed firearms will not be tolerated in the province.