Five suspects, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested in Elukwatini during Operation Vala Umgodi on Tuesday, 9 September.

Police reported that members were carrying out a disruptive operation when the arrests were made. The suspects were found with gold-bearing material, which was confiscated at the scene. Some of the suspects also faced charges under the Immigration Act after failing to provide valid documentation to be in the country.

The accused – Ngonidzashe Kuwanda, Nondumiso Khumalo, Lucas Mazibuko, Raymond Sihlangu and Berry Moyane – appeared before the Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 10 September. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear again on Monday, 15 September.

Detectives are working with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the status of some of the suspects.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers for their dedication. “I acknowledge with appreciation the work carried out by the team assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga,” he said.