The relentless efforts of Proactive and Combat teams working in close collaboration with private security and other law enforcement agencies have significantly disrupted organised illicit mining and other criminal activities in the province.
These operations, which form a cornerstone of the Vala Umgodi campaign, have focused on illicit mining as a primary driver of crime. The teams’ contributions have greatly amplified police efforts in the fight against crime in the Lejweleputswa areas.
On Friday, 8 August, illicit mining and gold processing equipment was seized in Thabong. Members acting on intelligence arrested a 57-year-old female at Moeletsi Hostel, Thabong. She was found in possession of gold-bearing material and illicit mining equipment. Later that same day, the combat teams and mine security patrolling G Hostel, Thabong, arrested two foreign nationals, aged 29 and 42, for possession of suspected gold processing equipment and for being illegal immigrants.
In Wepener on Wednesday, 6 August, a disruptive operation by the Vala Umgodi proactive team resulted in the arrest of two illegal foreign nationals aged 46 and 19. They resisted arrest. The police confiscated live ammunition and drugs.
Illicit cigarettes were seized in Wepener on Thursday, 7 August. A proactive team conducted a compliance check at a tuck shop and found the illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R9 000, hidden at the back of a storeroom. The foreign national found in the shop was arrested.
A joint operation on Saturday, 9 August, involving proactive and combat disciplines along with Home Affairs officials, led to the arrest of 25 undocumented suspects. The arrests were made during inspections at a bus stop and tuck shops in Mmamahabane. The community assisted in the swift apprehension of one suspect who attempted to flee.
Illicit mining being conducted with an excavator was discovered near Odendaalsrus on Saturday, 9 August.
The Combat team received information from mine security about an excavator operating illegally at an old gold sump near Odendaalsrus. The team, with security personnel, swiftly intercepted a Mercedes truck on the R30 road with the excavator loaded on a low-bed trailer. Four occupants, aged between 32 and 58, were arrested for trespassing, attempted theft of gold-bearing material, and illegal mining. Two water pumps, hoses, tools, and a plastic hose were also recovered.
Continuous disruptive operations were conducted in Ventersburg, Henneman, Dewetsdorp, and Bothaville. These actions resulted in the arrest of a total of 110 suspects for crimes including possession of gold-bearing material, trespassing, illicit mining, attempted theft of gold-bearing material, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
“The success of these operations is a testament to the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary cooperation and intelligence-driven policing,” says Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State SAPS communication.
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