A series of intelligence-led operations under the auspices of the multi-disciplinary approach Vala uMgodi resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms, illicit goods and mining equipment.
These operations, focusing on disrupting criminal enterprises, have significantly impacted illegal mining and other unlawful activities.
On Sunday, 13 July, the proactive team conducted a disruptive operation in Virginia. Acting on intelligence about five potentially armed suspects in a silver Nissan bakkie with Gauteng registration numbers, police officers quickly located and tactically approached the vehicle in town. During a search, a 9mm firearm was discovered hidden inside the bakkie’s tailgate. All five suspects were immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“The police remain committed to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of all communities” says Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the police in the Free State.
– Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the police in the Free State.
On Saturday, 12 July, a team in Welkom reacted to an intelligence-led operation, leading to the arrest of a foreign national found in possession of illicit cigarettes at his tuckshop in Power Road.
Later the same day in Thabong, a 27-year-old foreign national was arrested at a house in the 2010 location after being found with 27 crucibles, commonly used to melt precious metals.
The proactive team, collaborating with mine security, also arrested three illegal foreign nationals, aged between 23 and 54 years, near mine premises in Theunissen.
On Friday, 11 July, gold-processing equipment was uncovered at an illegal operation in the Thabong G hostel. Members surprised a group of men who fled in different directions upon seeing the police approaching. Gas bottles and other processing equipment were seized from the site.
These ongoing multi-disciplinary operations have so far led to the arrest of more than 160 illegal foreign nationals in two weeks, involved in illicit mining activities across various Free State towns, including Thabong, Vierfontein, Theunissen, Virginia, Welkom, Bronville, Odendaalsrus, and Ventersburg.
“The police remain committed to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of all communities,” says Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the police in the Free State.
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