Several individuals were arrested during joint operations executed by members of the multi-disciplinary operation Vala uMgodi in and around Theunissen in the Lejweleputswa district.
The operations focused on addressing the possession of illegal contraband, trespassing, and immigration offenses.
On 19 June two women were arrested for trespassing, and one man was apprehended for contravention of the Immigration Act. In a significant breakthrough, another man was arrested after an illegal firearm, suspected gold-bearing material, dagga, and components of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform were discovered in his locker at the Vierfontein mine.
In a separate incident on 18 June, the Vala uMgodie reaction team, in collaboration with mine security, discovered a hole on the mine premises. Upon scaling down into the hole, officers found packaged and sealed food, along with explosive detonators. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.
The Vala uMgodi operation, aimed at combating illegal mining activities and associated crimes, took place outside of Theunissen on 18 June.
“The team discovered a large resting or sleeping place utilised by illegal miners. Two males found at the location were arrested and food and items associated with illegal mining activities were seized,” says Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, police spokesperson for the Free State.
Onn 17 June, the team had arrested three men, aged 45 and 32 years, after they were found in possession of gold-bearing material in the mine premises in the area.
“These operations emphasise the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of mining communities, and protecting national resources. Further investigations are underway in all these cases, and more arrests are not ruled out,” says Kareli.
