Illegalities dealt a blow

The relentless efforts of the multi-disciplinary task team Vala Umgodi continues to yield significant results in the Free State, with 30 suspects arrested over the past weekend.

These arrests underscore the ongoing commitment to eradicating illicit mining activities in the mining towns of Lejweleputswa.

Between 6 and 8 June the suspects, aged between 21 and 45 years, were apprehended during a series of disruptive operations that also led to the confiscation of gold-bearing material and illicit mining equipment. Undocumented individuals were among those arrested after being found in Meloding.

In a separate, but related, incident, members of the Vala Umgodi Tactical Response team were deployed to a volatile taxi dispute in Vierfontein. Their swift presence effectively normalised the situation, preventing it from escalating out of control. Vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search operations were also conducted in the area.

“Members intercepted and confiscated approximately 397kg of instant porridge, intended for zama zamas (illegal miners) underground. This significant seizure prevented the supplies from reaching their intended destination,” says Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police.

The operation also saw the arrest of 13 more suspects for being illegal immigrants, found near a hostel in Thabong.

“The robust partnership between the SAPS and private security companies continues to thrive in combating illicit mining.

“This collaboration led to the arrest of eight suspects, with the subsequent seizure of gold-bearing material and equipment including steel balls, washing basins, self-made trolleys, and phendukas,” says Kareli.

Finally, three more suspects were arrested after voluntarily surfacing from underground at a mine near Theunissen.

“These ongoing successes demonstrate the team’s unwavering resolve to disrupt and dismantle illegal mining operations and the associated criminal networks that plague our communities.

“Operations continue,” he says.