Two undocumented foreign nationals have appeared in court following their arrest for the illegal possession of suspected illicit gold valued at approximately R3 million in the Pilgrim’s Rest policing area.

The arrests were effected by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through Operation Shanela, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) between 22:45 on 25 February and 07:00 on 26 February 2026 in the Ehlanzeni District.

Police acted on information regarding foreign nationals allegedly involved in criminal activities in the Pilgrim’s Rest area. Upon arrival, officers conducted a search which led to the discovery of six bags containing approximately 90% processed gold. The items were immediately confiscated.

Two Mozambican nationals, Gorge Sitho (25) and Alexdrie Solomon Zimbe (25), were arrested and charged with the illegal possession of precious metals, as well as contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Detectives are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects.

The pair appeared in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 27 February 2026, and are expected to appear again at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court on 4 March 2026. Both suspects remain in police custody.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended officers for their swift response and dedication in combating illicit mining-related crimes.

“This successful operation demonstrates our firm commitment to dismantling illegal mining networks and associated criminal activities in the province. We hope that this operation will send a strong message that criminality will find no refuge in society. We will continue to intensify our efforts,” he said.