By Kopano Dibakwane
Police members attached to the Vala Umgodi Operation pounced on 11 suspects,including a prison official, who are linked to illegal mining activities at a certain farm at Noordkaap in Barberton, outside Nelspruit.
The arrest reportedly took place on Thursday 11 April after a case of trespassing was opened by the farm owner earlier this month.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the farm owner alerted the police about people who allegedly carried out illegal mining activities inside his farm without his consent.
“ A suspicious-looking bakkie was spotted with Zimbabwean registration number plates, with four occupants. The bakkie was stopped and searched, that’s when suspected illegal mining equipments, including gold bearing materials were discovered.
“ Four suspects, aged between 33 and 46 were appended. Besides the Correctional Services official, there were other two South Africans, as well as a Zimbabwean,” said Mdhluli.
He said that 7 other Zimbabwean nationals aged between 30 and 41 were caught red-handed, while digging in the said farm. Additional illegal mining equipments such as a metal detector, were reportedly found in their possesion.
“ Police are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the 7 suspects who failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country. As a result, an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa was leveled against them,” said Mdhluli.
The suspects will reportedly appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Friday 12 April.
