SAPS Mpumalanga issued a media statement on April 21 regarding multiple arrests between April 16 and 19 following intensified efforts against illegal mining in the Ehlanzeni District. Police also seized of gold-bearing material (GBM) and gold-bearing equipment (GBE), including pendukas and generators, as well as dagga.

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On Thursday, April 16, police seized GBE during an operation in Mankele near Omaruru Mine. An inquiry has been opened for further investigation.

On Friday, April 17, operations at Agnes Mine in Barberton led to the seizure of GBE and dagga, while separate operations in Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest resulted in the arrest of eight undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 26 and 59.

In Masoyi, a 43-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Eleven were arrested on Saturday, April 18, at Majaks Village. The suspects, aged between 18 and 48, are facing charges related to possession of GBM and GBE.

On Sunday, April 19, six undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in Pilgrim’s Rest.

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All suspects appeared in relevant magistrate’s courts on Monday, April 20.

At the time of publication, a response to Lowvelder’s enquiry to the NPA had not yet been received.