Police arrest 19 illegal miners during Mpumalanga Vala Umgodi operation
The suspects, aged between 22 and 39, were nabbed at the old Barberton mine on Thursday.
Picture: X/SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - Police have arrested 19 illegal miners during their Vala Umgodi operation in Mpumalanga.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 39, were nabbed at the old Barberton mine on Thursday.
Police further discovered that one of the suspects, a convicted murderer, was caught in possession of a firearm while out on parole.
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Amongst the arrested suspects,11 are foreign nationals, whilst eight are South Africans.
“Three firearms were also confiscated during the operation. This is part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi to deal with illegal mining activities. These miners are expected to appear at Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday, 29 December 2024,” said police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli.