Police working within Operation Vala Umgodi, together with mine security, managed to arrest three foreigners for suspected illegal mining activities at the Kopanong mine, Viljoenskroon. The men had previously been arrested for illegal mining at the St Helena mine, Welkom, in 2011 and 2016. The last one was arrested for illegal immigration in Randfontein in 2022. Photo: SAPS
Lejweleputswa police have dealt a heavy blow to cattle thieves in the Bultfontein area, arresting three suspects while they were slaughtering sheep.
On Sunday, July 28, the theft of 40 sheep from the Maartiensrus farm was confirmed.
WO Modisana Motaung, Sgt Matshidiso Ntantiso, Sgt Lesego Moshidi, Const Mojalefa Ngake, Const Tshidiso Tlali, Const Ikaneng Maropeng and Const Thembekile Fepane, members of the Bultfontein Police Crime Prevention Unit, followed leads approximately 52km from where the sheep were taken.
Police found 14 sheep carcasses, including 23 live sheep and 11 lambs. Police confiscated one Toyota Corolla (registration number HBP 556 FS), four mobile phones, six Lesotho passports and three knives.
“The three suspects, aged 32, 37 and 49, were arrested for suspected stolen stock,” said Captain Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
In a separate operation part of Vala Umgodi aimed at combating illegal mining, law enforcement agencies seized dagga, cigarettes, explosives, food and batteries.
On 17 July, police units participating in Operation Vala Umgodi, together with mine security, managed to arrest three foreigners for illegal mining activities at the Kopanong mine, Viljoenskroon.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the three suspects were previously arrested for illegal mining at the St Helena mine, Welkom, in 2011 and 2016 respectively, and the third was arrested for illegal immigration in Randfontein in 2022,” Thakeng said.
During the operation, they seized various food and household items from underground, including batteries, drugs (dagga), cigarettes, various tools and equipment, over-the-counter medicines, mobile phones and money.
“They also found and seized two amalgam balls, two full boxes of detonators (containing 600 pieces) and a 25kg box of Explogel (containing 50 pieces),” said Thakeng.
The suspects are accused of suspected illegal mining, trespassing, attempted theft and illegal immigration. They appeared before the Viljoenskroon court.
“We will continue to crack down on illegal mining activities and we will work with mine security to fulfil the mandate of this company, which is to prevent and combat illegal mining and other related crimes within the Free State,” Thakeng said.
Marti Will
www.news24.com
