Two Mozambican and one Lesotho national believed to be involved in illicit mining activities were arrested on February 16 during Operation Vala uMgodi (Close the Hole) at the Van Ryn mining site.

Members of the SAPS District Vispol and the SANDF were conducting routine patrols around the site when they found the trio in possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and explosives.

According to Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie, the suspected illegal miners were found hiding inside a shallow hole.

“The Lesotho national was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, while one of the Mozambican suspects was found in possession of explosives. The third suspect was apprehended for contravening the Immigration Act,” said Skalkie.

The multi-disciplinary operation, spearheaded by the DMRE in collaboration with SAPS, SANDF, and security personnel, aims to dismantle and seal mine shafts that are being used for illegal mining in the country, including mining areas in Boksburg, Benoni and Primrose.

The joint operation is set to continue until March 31.

In a separate incident on February 6, the Operation Vala Umgodi team recovered a large amount of explosives at a house in Daveyton after receiving a tip-off.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, upon arrival at the address, the police discovered explosive cables.

“When the owner of the house was asked where he got them, he said he had ordered them from a woman. The woman was called, and when she arrived, her vehicle was searched and police found more of the same explosives,” said Nevhuhulwi.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with possession of explosives.

All the suspects were scheduled to appear in court soon.

Also Read: Police pounce on illegal mining sites, seize guns, stained money and mining equipment

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