| Six suspects arrested and explosives seized during an operation in Barberton | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/08/07 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - The men and women in Blue, assigned to execute duties in relation to Operation Vala Umgodi arrested six (06) suspects then seized some explosives at Verulam in Barberton yesterday, Wednesday 06 August 2025. Amongst the arrested suspects, two are foreign nationals without valid documentation to be in South Africa whilst the rest were reportedly found in possession of some explosives. This successful achievement forms part of an ongoing effort to address concerns about rising violent crime as well as illegal activities in Barberton and surrounding areas. Earlier this year, the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Cassel Mathale, together with SAPS management, visited Barberton for a Community Engagement Session. During the session, residents expressed their concerns over increased levels of violent crime, including murders, proliferation of firearms and also highlighted illegal activities surrounding the local mining areas. Community members voiced their frustrations over the perceived reluctance of law enforcement agencies to decisively tackle criminal activities troubling the residents. In response to these concerns, SAPS management committed to returning with a concrete and effective plan to address the issues raised. As part of the commitment, a series of targeted operations have been executed in the area. Yesterday's operation was one of such operations whereby members strategically conducted their duties in a location known as Verulam in Barberton. During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered: - 03 Electric detonators, - 04 Capped fuses, - 25 Orange detonating cords, and - 09 Blasting cartridges. The investigation regarding this case is continuing and at this stage, Police cannot rule out the possibility that the arrested suspects could have been involved in some kind of illegal mining activities. The six (06) suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate's Court soon, facing charges of illegal possession of explosives whilst others faced with Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the members that were part of this magnificent success as they displayed their dedication. “This success is an indication to our unwavering commitment to work collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies in our relentless pursuit to reduce crime levels in Barberton and throughout the province. Our communities can have confidence that we are listening to their concerns and are taking decisive action against crime, ” said the General.
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