South African police, aided by the military under Operation Vala Umgodi, detained two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 29 and 30, for engaging in illegal mining activities at Ga-Maroga village outside Burgersfort in the Sekhukhune district.
Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba revealed that officers conducting Operation Vala Umgodi stumbled upon the illegal mining operation upon arriving at Ga-Maroga village. Despite attempts to evade arrest, the suspects were swiftly apprehended.
Ledwaba highlighted that a significant cache of mining equipment was seized at the site, including a power generator, jackhammers, welding machines, grinders, drilling bits, shovels, measuring tapes, and electrical cables.
Simultaneously, members of border policing stationed at Beitbridge intercepted a homemade wooden ferry suspected of being utilized for smuggling people and counterfeit goods across the Limpopo River.
“A large quantity of alcohol, valued at thousands and believed to be intended for illegal transportation across the river, was confiscated,” Ledwaba stated. However, the suspected Zimbabwean nationals managed to evade capture by fleeing across the river.
The operations signify the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting illegal activities that undermine the safety and security of communities, both domestically and across borders. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation from the public in reporting suspicious activities to curb such illicit practices.