An intelligence-driven operation on 25 June involved the Free State Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, Welkom Crime Intelligence, Provincial Crime Intelligence Surveillance unit, Selosesha Tactical Response Team, and Welkom Anti-Gang unit.

The team arrested three undocumented immigrants who face 13 cases related to drug dealing and possession. Over the course of the investigation and the final arrests, operational members confiscated various drugs including Crystal Meth, Mandrax, and Nyaope with an estimated street value of R130 000. The police also seized a black Ford Focus that was apparently used for drug deliveries. The suspects have approximately 10 other pending cases before the court.

Azusor Ikennia John Kennedy (37), Orji Evalictus Okechukwu (36) and Henrietta Sibanda (31) appeared in the Odendaalsrus Magistrates’ Court. They face charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, with additional charges expected regarding contravention of the Immigration Act.

The matter was postponed to Tuesday 7 July for bail information. The suspects remain in custody.

In a separate operation last week, 11 suspected illegal miners were arrested and more than 120 kg of gold-bearing material was confiscated during Operation Prosper in Welkom. The police, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and private mining security companies conducted the arrests.

Seven men were arrested for illegal mining activities on the Eland Shaft mine area. The police confiscated 13 spades, seven pick axes, three steel plates, two pairs of gumboots, four buckets, and 63,70 kg of gold-bearing material.

Two men were arrested at the Reahola Hostel, with police seizing 58,10 kg of gold-bearing material and mining equipment. Two more were arrested at Tim Right, with 28,98 kg of gold-bearing material seized.

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