Police in Barberton, Mpumalanga, arrested a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national on Friday, 18 July, during a coordinated sting operation targeting criminal networks. The Zimbabwean national suspect was found in possession of explosives, gold-bearing rocks, and a large quantity of cough medication.
The operation began around 5:00 and was carried out by a joint team comprising the Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, White River K9 Unit, and Hi-Tech Security Company. Furthermore, officers acted on reliable intelligence indicating illegal drug activity at the suspect’s residence.
The team then thoroughly searched, uncovering 89 electronic detonators, 49 superpower blasting cartridges, a six-metre detonating cord, four safety fuses, and nine boxes of cough medication.
Zimbabwean national suspected link to illegal mining
Authorities also discovered gold-bearing material and two portable scales, raising suspicions that the Zimbabwean national suspect may have been supplying resources to illegal mining operations in the area. Police subsequently charged him with unlawful possession of explosives, illegal possession of gold-bearing material, and illegal possession of medication.
The Zimbabwean national suspect will appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 July.
SAPS is determined to disrupt crime networks
In response to public criticism of law enforcement efforts in the area, police leadership emphasised their commitment to tackling crime.
“This operation underscores our commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
“[The] Barberton area has been our concern, and we made a promise to deal with the situation. So far, our continuous operations are yielding positive results,” Mkhwanazi added.
He encouraged community members to remain alert and report suspicious activities.
With ongoing police operations bringing results, will the community’s confidence in law enforcement continue to grow?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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