KEY POINTS
- A Mpumalanga pastor was arrested for possessing gold-bearing material worth R60,000, along with R9,200 in cash, during a police operation targeting illegal mining.
- In a separate incident, four suspects were arrested in Limpopo for operating an illegal gold processing lab, with equipment and vehicles confiscated by authorities.
- South Africa’s Operation Vala Umgoli continues to crack down on illegal mining, addressing economic losses, environmental damage, and organized crime linked to the illicit trade.
A 40-year-old pastor from Barberton, Mpumalanga, has been arrested after being found in possession of a gold material worth an estimated R60,000.
The arrest occurred on Tuesday during a police operation targeting illegal mining activities in the region.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, officers were conducting Operation Vala Umgoli when they received a tip-off about two individuals allegedly transporting the gold material along the R38 Road.
Acting on the information, police set up an interception point and spotted a silver vehicle matching the description provided.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered approximately 60 grams of a material made of gold and R9,200 in cash, consisting of R200 notes.
The vehicle and the seized items were confiscated for further investigation.
Both suspects, including the pastor, were charged with possession of materials made of gold and are expected to appear in court soon.
Illegal gold processing lab uncovered in limpopo
In a related crackdown on illegal mining activities, four suspects were arrested earlier this month in Limpopo after police uncovered an illegal gold processing laboratory near the R71 road in the Letsitele policing area.
The suspects, three Zimbabweans and one Mozambican national, were charged with illegal processing of gold-bearing materials.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspects appeared in the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on February 10.
They were remanded in custody until February 18 for a formal bail application. One of the suspects, Samuel Almeida Mashaba, also faces charges under the Immigration Act.
During the operation, police seized various items used in the illegal processing of gold, including containers of carbon ashes (presumed to contain precious minerals), gas bottles, sulfuric acid, and oxygen cylinders.
Two vehicles, a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates, were also confiscated.
Authorities believe the vehicles belong to two alleged kingpins behind the illicit mining operations in the area.
The arrests in Mpumalanga and Limpopo are part of a broader effort by South African authorities to combat illegal mining, which has become a significant issue in the country.
Illegal mining not only results in substantial economic losses but also poses serious environmental and safety risks.
Operation Vala Umgoli, which translates to “Close the Hole,” is a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
The operation has led to numerous arrests and the seizure of mining equipment, gold-bearing materials, and vehicles linked to illicit operations.
