Intensive operations under the auspices of Vala uMgodi have resulted in the arrest 28 men on charges ranging from dealing in drugs, illegal firearms and ammunition to illicit mining.
On Friday 14 March, the Operation Vala uMgodi team received intelligence about a man known as Max who was allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“The operators arrived at the identified target house in Meloding near Virginia.”
Lt Col Thabo Covane, Corporate Communication and Liaison: Free State
“The operators arrived at the identified target house in Meloding near Virginia, searched it and found a Black Norinco 9mm calibre together with a magazine loaded with six round of live ammunition. The 52-year-old male was immediately arrested and a case of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition was opened at Meloding Police Station,” says Lt Col Thabo Covane, Corporate Communication and Liaison: Free State.
On Sunday 16 March the Mission Area Joint Operational Centre [MAJOC] Roving team, Combat operators, Proactive members and other role players of Operation Vala uMgodi in Free State executed various illicit mining disruptive policing actions in different identified hotspots areas.
“Foot patrols, vehicle patrols, air-to-ground drone patrols and Vehicle Check Points were conducted in Stone and Allied area, Bambanani SS1 Slam Dam, Kudu Mine Shaft, Stilte Farm and G-Hostel in Thabong Extension 4.”
Lt Col Thabo Covane, Corporate Communication and Liaison: Free State
“Foot patrols, vehicle patrols, air-to-ground drone patrols and Vehicle Check Points were conducted in Stone and Allied area, Bambanani SS1 Slam Dam, Kudu Mine Shaft, Stilte Farm and G-Hostel in Thabong Extension 4,” says Covane.
During the operation, twelve foreign nationals were found busy with illegal mining activities. Gold bearing material weighing at 132.52 kilograms and gold processing equipment such as lephenduka, steel balls, garden spades, shovels, pick axes, steel plates, buckets and washing basins were seized.
The police arrested suspects aged between 26 and 40 and case dockets of possession of suspected gold bearing material: gold processing equipment with additional charges of trespassing on mine area and Contravention of Immigration Act were opened at Thabong, Theunissen and Welkom Police Stations.
On Monday 17 March the team arrested the team of operators, including MAJOC Roving team, executed disruptive actions in Lusaka near Theunissen. The police arrested a 32-year-old male in possession of seven bankies of Chrystal Meth, three full Mandrax tablets; a half, and a quarter. The drugs and the cash are believed to be proceeds of drugs sale. A case of dealing in drugs was opened at Theunissen Police Station, and the suspect was detained in police custody,” says Covane.
During illicit mining disruptive policing actions in Thabong at Extension 4, G-Hostel, the police uncovered gold processing equipment hidden under the ground.
Covane says operators dug out two 9 kg gas bottles and two 14 kg oxygen cylinders. The exhibits were booked in at the Thabong Police Station.
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