The proactive and combat members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga arrested four suspects during an intelligence driven Operation that was conducted yesterday, 22 April 2025.
The operation was instituted following credible information received regarding suspects who were driving on the R537 Road between Sabie and White River. Acting swiftly on the information, the truck was intercepted and a search was conducted, resulting in the recovery of gold bearing material fully loaded in a white truck with Mpumalanga registration number plates. The truck was also seized. The estimated value of the gold bearing material (sand) is over R2 Million.
The suspects were charged for possession of gold bearing material and three amongst the suspects were also charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
The four are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 24 April 2025 facing the said charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrest. “This operation exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The swift action taken by our members demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration and Intelligence-sharing and combating crime in the areas where illegal mining activities are conducted,” said the General.
