Four suspects, aged between 20 and 49, were arrested by the combat and proactive team on Tuesday, 08 April 2025 during Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
The team members managed to achieve this success as they carried out disruptive operation at Brondal informal settlement and in Barberton old mine.
The suspects were nabbed in different places, and the one cornered in Brondal informal settlement, was charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa whilst the other three that were apprehended in Barberton old mine were charged accordingly, in relation to contravention of the Immigration Act, while other charges of possession of gold bearing material, as well as possession of illicit mining equipment, possession of explosives were added to them.
During the operation, illicit mining equipment, including gold bearing material, explosives, and jackhammers were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile, the other suspect, Julius Brintio (42) appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 08 April 2025 and was sentenced to three months imprisonment, after which he will be deported to his country of origin.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his gratitude to the exceptional work done by dedicated members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in the province as their hard work is yielding positive results.\
