Eleven suspects, including an official working for the Department of Correctional Services, were arrested yesterday for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the suspects were caught on the farm Noordkaap outside Barberton.

Police followed up on information after a farm owner opened a case of trespassing earlier this month against some people who were allegedly carrying out illegal mining activities on his farm.

“After information was gathered, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted by police members attached to Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga. Prior to members reaching the targeted area, a suspicious-looking light delivery vehicle with Zimbabwean number plates was spotted with four occupants inside.

“This bakkie was stopped and searched by the police. It was during the search that suspected illegal mining equipment, including suspected gold-bearing materials, were discovered,” says Mdhluli.

He adds that the police arrested the four suspects, aged between 33 and 46. Besides the correctional services official, two other South Africans and a Zimbabwean national were arrested.

“Thereafter, the team proceeded to their destination where, upon arrival, another seven Zimbabwean nationals, aged between 30 and 41, were caught red-handed digging on the farm. Some illegal mining equipment, including a metal detector, was also found in their possession,” says Mdhluli.

He says police collaborated with officials from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the seven suspects who failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country.

As a result, additional charges of contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 were laid against them.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today.