| 2024/05/09 |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - Two Mozambican nationals, aged 24 and 46, were arrested by the Police assigned in Mpumalanga to carry out duties in relation to Operation Vala Umgodi. The two were nabbed at Pilgrims Rest on Tuesday, 07 May 2024, one for unlawful possession of explosives and the other for possession of gold bearing material. A report indicates that members were conducting disruptive activities at Pilgrims Rest on that said Tuesday when the suspect was caught with four devices suspected to be used as explosives along with four cords. The suspect failed to produce the permit to possess the devices hence he was arrested. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the man is a foreign national who did not have valid documentation to be in South Africa. On a separate incident, another suspect (46), also from Mozambique, was arrested for possession of gold bearing material as well as illegal mining equipment. He too did not possess valid documentation to be in the country. Additional charges for Contravention of the Immigration Act were laid against to the two suspects and on that part, investigators are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs. Both suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrims Rest Magistrate's Court soon. It is against this backdrop that the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, raised a serious concern about continuous incidents where some foreign nationals are reportedly found to be involved in criminal activities, including on the very subject of illegal mining activities. "We call on everyone, including foreign nationals, to obey the law or face the full might of the law. We also commend the men and women in Blue for the arrests made," said the General. Ends
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