A routine patrol by a multidisciplinary law enforcement team has led to the arrest of four foreign nationals in Delmas after unwrought gold worth an estimated R800 000 was discovered during a stop-and-search operation.

According to a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 13 December 2025, along the N12 route near the Delmas off-ramp. Police officers on patrol noticed a white Toyota Fortuner travelling without registration plates on both sides and proceeded to stop the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers found unwrought gold, classified as a precious metal, hidden inside a white plastic bag. Three Mozambican nationals, aged between 24 and 34, were immediately arrested for possession of unwrought gold and for failing to produce valid documentation permitting them to be in the country.

While police were processing the suspects at Delmas police station at around 02h00, a fourth suspect, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national, allegedly attempted to bribe a police officer with R5 000 in exchange for the release of the three suspects, whom he identified as his brothers. He was arrested on the spot and charged with bribery.

All four suspects are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on 15 December 2025, where they will face charges related to possession of unwrought gold, contravention of immigration laws, and bribery.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, reaffirmed that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the province and urged communities to work closely with police, especially during the festive season, to help create a safer environment for all.