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.

Arrests in Mpumalanga

The arrests occurred during a routine vehicle check along the R38 Road when police stopped a maroon vehicle with three occupants and conducted a thorough search.

According to Provincial Police Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, officers discovered four superpower 90 blasting cartridges, a capped fuse, and nine meters of detonating cord—materials suspected to be intended for illegal mining operations.

Additionally, two of the arrested individuals were found without valid documentation and were charged under the Immigration Act.

Three more individuals were later apprehended for failing to provide legal 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, Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi reiterated law enforcement’s firm stance against illegal mining and emphasized the continuation of Operation Vala Umgodi to combat these activities.

Illegal Gold Processing Lab Busted in Limpopo

In a separate operation in Limpopo, police arrested four suspects—three Zimbabwean nationals and one Mozambican—after discovering an illegal gold processing laboratory along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele policing area under Mopani District.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba identified the suspects as:

• John Vondo (39)
• Hardlife Manjoko (35)
• Biggie Chimwero (36) from Zimbabwe
• Samuel Almeida Mashaba (46) from Mozambique

The suspects appeared at Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on February 10 and were remanded in custody until February 18 for a formal bail hearing. Mashaba also faces additional charges for contravening the Immigration Act.

Kingpins and Seized Assets

According to Ledwaba, two of the suspects are alleged to be key figures in illicit mining operations in the area.

During the operation, law enforcement seized equipment used in illegal gold processing, including:

• Containers with carbon ashes (suspected to contain precious minerals)
• Gas bottles
• Sulfuric acid
• Oxygen cylinders

Authorities also confiscated two vehicles—a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates—believed to be owned by the alleged kingpins.

Police have vowed to intensify operations to dismantle illegal mining networks across the country.