A coordinated intelligence-driven operation by the Operation Vala uMgodi team in the Free State Province led to the arrest of six suspects in a crackdown on illegal mining activities. The operation, conducted under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), targeted unlawful sand mining at Blaawdrift Farm near the R30 Road in Theunissen.
During the raid, law enforcement officers discovered three suspects—aged 20, 31, and 32—actively mining sand at the site. Authorities confiscated a white FAW Star truck loaded with illegally extracted sand.
In the same vicinity, three additional suspects—aged 34, 35, and 41—were also found engaged in illegal sand mining. A white Mercedes Benz Tipper Lorry and a CAT Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) were seized as part of the operation.
A case docket has been opened at the Theunissen Police Station for Contravention of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002, read with Section 4(1) of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Theunissen Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Operation Vala uMgodi continues its efforts to disrupt illegal mining operations across the province, enforcing laws designed to protect South Africa’s mineral resources.
