Operation Vala Umgodi flexes muscle in Virginia

The Illicit Mining Combating team of the police arrested a man for illicit gold mining at a hostel in Albany, Virginia.

The 44-year-old man was found in possession of suspected gold-bearing material, as well as miscellaneous equipment and product used in the gold extraction process.

Metal balls thrown inside lephenduka to assist in the processing of gold were found in the unit where the 44-year-old was found processing material suspected to be gold-bearing..Photo: SAPS

The Illicit Mining Prevention team shutting down zama-zama activities in Moeletsi Hostel, Thabong.Photo: SAPS

Corrosive liquid was seized with gold-processing equipment in Albany, Meloding, near Virginia. A 44-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of gold-bearing material in Virginia.Photo: SAPS

As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, the team operationalised intelligence that led them to an identified target house in Albany, Meloding, near Virginia.

There they found gold-bearing material and gold-processing equipment including a bottle of corrosive liquid suspected to be acid. All of the items were seized by the police.

Capt. Stephen Thakeng says policing actions then continued in Welkom area.

“The team followed information that led them to Moeletsi Hostel. The team closed down illegal zama-zama activities in K-Section and seized gold-bearing material, four phendukas, and other gold-processing equipment,” says Thakeng.