19-07-2025
Barberton police conduct sting operation, arrest Zimbabwean for illegal mining activities
Boxes of cough medication seized during a sting operation in Barberton. Police suspect the medicine was intended for use in illegal mining activities.
A 32-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday, July 18, during a multi-agency sting operation that led to the seizure of explosives, gold-bearing material, and large quantities of medicine believed to be linked to illegal mining.
The operation, which began at approximately 5am, was executed by members of the Mpumalanga Organized Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence (CI), Tactical Response Team (TRT), the White River K9 Unit, and Hi-Tech Security Company.
'Acting on reliable intelligence regarding individuals engaged in illegal drug activities, the dedicated members obtained a search warrant and commenced with the operation,' said police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
'While conducting a thorough search of the premises, the team received further details indicating that there was a male person that was reportedly involved in selling of some explosives within the same residence.'
