In a major crackdown on illegal mining, police in Mpumalanga, South Africa, have arrested six suspects in Barberton after they were allegedly found in possession of prohibited explosives believed to be intended for illegal mining activities. The arrests occurred during routine vehicle checks along the R38 Road, where officers stopped a maroon vehicle carrying three occupants and conducted a thorough search.
According to Provincial Police Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, officers discovered a stash of explosives, including four superpower 90 blasting cartridges, a capped fuse, and nine metres of detonating cord. The materials are suspected to have been designated for illicit mining operations, which remain a significant concern in the region.
Further investigations revealed that two of the arrested individuals did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa, leading to additional charges under the Immigration Act. The suspects were charged with possession of prohibited explosives, while their vehicle was seized by authorities. As police operations intensified, three more individuals were also apprehended for failing to provide proper documentation for their presence in the country.
All six suspects are scheduled to appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial police commissioner, reaffirmed law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and pledged the continued execution of Operation Vala Umgodi, a special initiative aimed at eradicating illicit mining activities.
Meanwhile, in Limpopo, four suspects—three Zimbabwean nationals and one Mozambican—were arrested after police uncovered an illegal gold processing laboratory along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele policing area under Mopani District.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed the suspects as Jonh Vondo (39), Hardlife Manjoko (35), Biggie Chimwero (36), all from Zimbabwe, and Samuel Almeida Mashaba (46), from Mozambique. They appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 10, facing charges of illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. Mashaba faces additional charges for violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.
Authorities suspect that two of the arrested individuals are key figures in the region’s illegal mining network. During the operation, police seized containers filled with carbon ashes (presumed to contain precious minerals), gas bottles, sulfuric acid, and oxygen cylinders, all believed to have been used for illegal mineral processing.
Additionally, police confiscated two vehicles—a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates—believed to be owned by the alleged kingpins. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to dismantling criminal networks linked to illegal mining and ensuring offenders face the full force of the law.
