A 35-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested for the unlawful possession of ammunition during Operation Vala Umgodi near Agnes Mine in Barberton.
The arrest follows an intelligence-led operation conducted on Wednesday, 04 June 2026, at Makheshe Mountain. Upon detecting a police presence, a group of illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning their equipment, which included several *phendukas* (makeshift explosives) and an unlicensed firearm.
During a follow-up operation on Saturday, 06 June 2026, police located the suspect hiding in dense vegetation in the area. A search revealed he was in possession of ten rounds of ammunition of various calibers.
In a separate sweep of the area, authorities seized an additional 539 rounds of abandoned ammunition and two generators. The Bomb Disposal Unit was deployed to safely destroy the abandoned *phendukas*.
The suspect has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is scheduled to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 08 June 2026.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reiterated its ongoing commitment to combating illegal mining activities and ensuring that those involved are brought to justice.
