The Mission Area Joint Operational Centre [MAJOC] Roving team, Combat operators, Proactive members and other role-players of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Free State executed various illicit mining disruptive policing actions in different identified hotspots areas.
Foot patrols, vehicle patrols, air-to-ground drone patrols and Vehicle Check Points were conducted in Stone and Allied area, Bambanani SS1 Slam Dam, Kudu Mine Shaft, Stilte Farm and G-Hostel in Thabong Extension 4.
During the operation, twelve (12) foreign nationals were found busy with illegal mining activities. Gold bearing material weighing at 132.52 kilograms and gold processing equipment such as lephenduka, steel balls, garden spades, shovels, pick axes, steel plates, buckets and washing basins were seized.
The police also arrested suspects aged between 26 and 40 and case dockets of Possession of suspected gold bearing material: gold processing equipment with additional charges of Trespassing on mine area and Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Thabong, Theunissen and Welkom Police Stations.
All arrested suspects will appear before Court soon.
Twelve foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining activities in the Free State https://t.co/xHnsuBqinl#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/fBGw8rYkdK
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 17, 2025
