Members of the Police from the Illicit Mining Team in Mpumalanga continue to intensify efforts to combat #illegalmining and associated criminal activities through intelligence-driven operations targeting illicit mining activities across the province.
On Monday, 26 October 2026, at about 07:30, members of the Pilgrim’s Rest Illicit Mining Team conducted an operation at Mashobodo, Ngodwana Policing Precinct.
The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects, including four (04) Mozambican nationals, one (01) Zimbabwean national and one (01) Ethiopian national.
Among those arrested, one (01) Ethiopian national, who is allegedly a spaza shop owner, was charged with possession of counterfeit cigarettes.
Two Mozambican nationals were charged with possession of gold-bearing material (GBM) and gold-bearing equipment (GBE), possession of raw gold, money laundering involving R18 600 in cash, as well as contravention of immigration laws.
Two Mozambican nationals and one Zimbabwean national were further charged with possession of GBM and GBE, as well as contravention of immigration laws.
During the operation, police confiscated two generators, four shovels, eight phendukas, six jackhammers, one phanga, one grinder, three hammers, three spanners, 13 steel balls, three 12.5 kg bags of GBM, six plastic basins, two plastic buckets, 22 head torches, one pick, two pairs of water boots, one gas cylinder, one scale, 15 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes, raw gold and R18 600 in cash.
A total of six cases were opened, and all six suspects are expected to face the charges accordingly.
The suspects are expected to appear in court in due course.
Members of the public are encouraged to report criminal activities to the police by contacting #CrimeStop at 08600 10111, using the #MySAPSApp or approaching their nearest police station. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
#fightingcrime
