Operation Vala Umgodi blitz actions result in arrests and seizures

On Monday 23 September 2024, a team of operators; both Proactive and Combat, swept through various hotspot areas in Free State and dealt with illicit mining activities achieving good successes. The team raided G-hostel and caught two suspects in the act of gold washing process. The two suspects, aged 47 and 49, were arrested and the gold bearing material and gold processing equipment were seized. A case docket was opened at Thabong Police Station. The Airwing drone pilots, while patrolling Beatrix Mining area, spotted suspicious movements of a White Toyota C-HR sedan near shaft 4. A chase ensued and the team closed-in and apprehended the 19-year-old male. When the motor vehicle was spotted through the drone camera, there were three occupants; meaning the other two jumped off during the chase. Few addresses were then visited. Three males were found in the backroom of a house in Dantel Street in Riebeckstad near Welkom. A search was conducted and a 9mm pistol was found disassembled inside a courier bag under neath the sofa where the two suspects were seated. The lessee denied the knowledge of the illegal firearm and all three suspects aged 17, 18 and 22 were arrested for Unlawful possession of firearm. The 19-year-old driver of the White Toyota C-HR was arrested for possession of gold bearing material and gold processing equipment; lephenduka. Cases were opened at Welkom Police Station. All suspects will appear before Court soon. Source: South African Police Service