Through ongoing disruptive operations targeting illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga, police arrested multiple suspects in Pilgrim’s Rest and Ngodwana between May 7 and 10.

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On Thursday, May 7, police arrested four undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 21 and 36 years. The suspects are facing charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as the possession of suspected gold-bearing material (GBM) and gold-bearing equipment (GBE).

In a separate operation conducted in Ngodwana on Friday, May 8, police arrested 16 suspects, aged between 19 and 43 years, on various charges. Twelve of the suspects were arrested for the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as the possession of GBM and GBE.

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Two additional suspects were arrested for dealing in dagga and the possession of illicit cigarettes.
One suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm tested positive in connection with a robbery case registered in Gauteng.

On Sunday, May 10, another operation in Pilgrim’s Rest resulted in the arrest of two suspects, both aged 35 years, for the possession of GBM, the possession of GBE, and the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

During all the operations, police confiscated various exhibits, including generators, pendukas, jackhammers, suspected gold-bearing material, gold-bearing equipment, a firearm with ammunition, and dagga.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in the respective local magistrate’s courts soon.