Zimbabwean national arrested for illegal possession of 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.
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.
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.
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