Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo of the Police in Gauteng says that police members had a big success while searching for illegal miners in the Carletonville area as part of the intelligence driven Operation Vala Umgodi on Monday and Tuesday (February 17 and 18).

The police were busy with Operation Vala Umgodi when they arrested three men who were found with items that are suspected to be used for illegal mining, including firearms and live ammunition.

“The disruptive operations which are intelligence led were conducted at Blyvooruitzicht in Carletonville area. Three abandoned houses were searched and three handguns and one shotgun were recovered with ammunition and magazines. The operation also resulted in the arrests of two illegal foreigners also suspected of illegal mining,” says Masondo.

“During the operation police seized various items that include a revolver, pistol, shotgun, ammunition, magazines, blow torch, and oxygen cylinder. Preliminary investigation revealed that one shotgun was used in the 2014 case of robbery and attempted murder, whereas the other rifle has been associated with 2016 case of housebreaking and theft, both in Carletonville,” Masondo added.

He continued that the police continue to combat any illegal activities in a bid to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities.