A coordinated operation by the Operation Vala Umgodi team led to multiple arrests and the seizure of suspected gold-bearing material and illegal mining equipment across the Free State province.
Disruptive Policing Actions Yield Results
The team conducted bush patrols on foot, supported by aerial drone surveillance, in the Kudu Old Mine area. During the operation, two foreign nationals, aged 33 and 51, were caught digging for gold-bearing material in an open pit. Authorities confiscated 59.40 kilograms of the suspected material.
In the same vicinity, a *36-year-old Mosotho national* was arrested while conducting a separation process on a makeshift slope table. Police seized an additional 24.82 kilograms of gold-bearing material from the scene.
Further Arrests Across Multiple Locations
In Merriespruit, a *36-year-old foreign national* was arrested at the 03 Crusher Plant, while another suspect, aged *42*, was apprehended in Stilte Park, Meloding. Both were engaged in illegal mining activities on an open cast. Police recovered 56.80 kilograms and 63.22 kilograms of suspected gold-bearing material, respectively.
Near the railway line in Odendaalsrus, a *39-year-old male* was arrested in possession of 6.44 kilograms of the material.
Hostel and Dumping Site Raids
The operation extended to Bronville dumping site and Rathaba Hostel in Thabong, near Welkom. Two suspects, aged *26 and 30*, were found processing gold-bearing material at the hostel, leading to the seizure of 18.20 kilograms of the material.
At the Bronville dumping site, police confiscated 52.21 kilograms of gold-bearing material and arrested a *35-year-old Mosotho national*.
Equipment Confiscated, Cases Opened
Authorities seized various gold-processing tools, including:
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Industrial oxygen cylinders
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Gas bottles
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Pick axes, shovels, and garden spades
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Steel plates, burner pans, and self-made washers
Case dockets were opened at Thabong, Virginia, and Odendaalsrus Police Stations for:
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Possession of suspected gold-bearing material
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Possession of illegal gold-processing equipment
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Trespassing on mine property
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Contravention of the Immigration Act
All suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to intensify efforts against illegal mining activities in the province.
