A 40-year-old pastor from Barberton, Mpumalanga, has been arrested after being found in possession of gold-bearing material, which has an estimated street value of R60,000. The pastor, who was traveling with another suspect, was detained on Tuesday by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of Operation Vala Umgoli.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, SAPS received a tip-off regarding two individuals allegedly transporting gold-bearing material along the R38 Road. Acting on the information, officers set up a waylay operation and soon spotted a silver vehicle matching the description provided. The vehicle was intercepted, and a search revealed approximately 60 grams of gold-bearing material, along with cash amounting to R9,200 in R200 notes. Both the vehicle and the items were seized for further investigation.
The suspects were charged with possession of gold-bearing materials and are expected to appear in court soon. This arrest is just the latest in a series of operations aimed at tackling illegal mining activities in the country. Earlier this month, four suspects were arrested in Limpopo after police discovered an illegal gold processing laboratory near Tarentaalrand, in the Letsitele area. The arrested individuals, three Zimbabwean nationals and one Mozambican, were charged with illegal processing of gold-bearing materials and were remanded in custody.
Among the suspects arrested in Limpopo, two are suspected of being key players in driving illicit mining activities in the region. During the operation, police seized various items believed to be used in the illegal processing of gold, including gas bottles, sulfuric acids, oxygen cylinders, and containers with carbon ashes, which are presumed to be precious minerals. Additionally, two cars— a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates— thought to be linked to the suspected kingpins, were confiscated by authorities.
These ongoing operations reflect the South African police’s determination to combat illegal mining, which continues to be a significant issue in the country. The arrests of both the pastor and the four suspects in Limpopo demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on the criminal activities surrounding gold and other precious minerals.
