Operation Vala Umgodi ensures high police visibility leading to arrests of suspected illegal miners and immigrants.
The operation comprises Crime Intelligence, Local Criminal Record Centre, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing, SAPS Airwing and other stakeholders include SANDF and Department of Home Affairs and has been mandated to deal mainly with illegal mining within Free State.
“High police visibility continues to be maintained through a surveillance drone, intelligence driven operations and conducting bush patrols to eradicate illegal mining,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa SAPS,” says Thakeng.
From 28 June to 4 July, 24 people from South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, DRC and Bangladeshi were arrested for illegal immigration, trespassing in the mining environment, conspiracy to commit crime, attempted theft and possession of possible gold bearing material.
The suspects were arrested at Kopanong Mine 9 shaft, Phomolong Village, Welkom, Ribeeckstad, Extension 5 in Virginia, Thubelisha and New Jerusalem 2010 in Thabong.
During the operation police confiscated gold bearing material weighing 5,94 kg.
They also conducted 60 vehicle check points and 162 stop and searches, where 514 people and 191 vehicles were searched. They monitored 80 mines, 25 malls and 28 ATMs.
They also patrolled nine power stations, did 36 bush patrols, manned 18 vehicle patrols, and conducted one road block.
“The arrested suspects shall appear in Welkom, Viljoenskroon and Virginia Magistrate’s Courts”, says Thakeng.
