During intensified Vala Umgodi disruptive operations, 26 people were arrested for various offences, including contravention of the Immigration and Explosives Acts.
The operations, which commenced on 2 August, were intelligence-led and conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs.
In Bothaville, the focus of the operation was on contraband and illegal foreign nationals.
Through intelligence information and joint efforts with the Department of Home Affairs, 22 undocumented individuals aged between 20 and 38, including a 28-year-old female, were arrested.
Some of the suspects were found in possession of fraudulent immigration documents, whilst others had no documentation at all. They have all been charged with contravention of the Immigration Act.
A separate group of operatives was called to assist private security in Henneman. They apprehended four males aged between 38 and 52, who had resurfaced from a mine.
“Upon searching the suspects, members discovered various explosive pieces, including short starters, shock tubes, fuse heads, shock tube assemblies, and connector fuses,” says Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State Provincial Corporate Communication.
“Upon searching the suspects, members discovered various explosive pieces, including short starters, shock tubes, fuse heads, shock tube assemblies, and connector fuses”
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State Provincial Corporate Communication.
The four suspects were arrested and charged with contravention of the Explosives Act.
“These arrests are a testament to the ongoing commitment to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” he says.
During operations in the preceding week, the multi-disciplinary team achieved significant successes in a series of disruptive actions targeting illegal mining, contravention of the Immigration Act, and dealing in counterfeit goods.
The operations, which included members of the SAPS Air Wing, private security, and various specialist units, took place in different parts of the Free State.
In a coordinated effort, the Vala Umgodi team, with aerial support from a police helicopter and drones, conducted disruptive actions at illegal mining hotspots in Odendaalsrus, Welkom, Theunissen, and Virginia. This led to arrests and seizures.
On Thursday, 31 July, a proactive team and mine security, acting on intelligence, followed up information regarding illicit mining activities in the Phillip Area behind the local hospital.
“Upon arrival, two male suspects, aged 53 and 63, attempted to flee but were apprehended. A search of a nearby shack led to the discovery and confiscation of two gas cylinders, two buckets of gold-bearing material, two plastic bowls, and a rubber washer. Both suspects were arrested for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and for being illegal immigrants,” says Kareli.
Earlier in the week, in a separate incident in Odendaalsrus, two suspects were arrested at a house after being found in possession of gold-smelting equipment.
On Thursday, 31 July, the Vala Umgodi Combat Team received intelligence about a male driving a Honda Amaze who was in possession of a suspected khat plant.
Members tactically approached the vehicle at Klopper Park in Bedfordview, Germiston, and discovered six sealed brown boxes containing the suspected khat plant in the boot. The estimated street value of the confiscated plant is R45,000. The 40-year-old driver was immediately arrested for possession of a suspected khat plant.
On Wednesday, 30 July, Vala Umgodi operation members on a disruptive patrol in Wepener spotted a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van travelling at high speed. The vehicle was intercepted, and a search revealed a full load of suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R500,000. Two suspects, aged 41 and 35, were immediately arrested.
“Upon their arrival at the Wepener police station, the suspects offered police officers a bribe of R15,000 in exchange for their release. The officers took the money, booked it as an exhibit, and a second charge of bribery was added,” says Kareli.
On Tuesday, 29 July, the Proactive Team responded to a call from mine security. A 45-year-old mine employee was found in possession of contraband items—half a packet of salt and pieces of biltong—which contravene the mine’s safety policy protocol. The suspect was arrested for contravening the Mine Health and Safety Act.
“The South African Police Service remains committed to disrupting all forms of criminal activity and encourages the public to report any suspicious behaviour,” says Kareli.
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