20-07-2025
Barberton police arrest man tied to suspected illegal mining operations
During a sting operation conducted in Barberton on Friday, July 18, a Zimbabwean national (32) was arrested in possession of explosives and medication, which were seized.
A media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga stated that, despite negative narratives suggesting police in Barberton are reluctant to address crime, continuous operations show the clear determination of Mpumalanga's men and women in blue to eradicate criminal activity in the area.
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According to the statement, the operation that led to the arrest was jointly executed by several specialised units, including Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, the White River K9 Unit and Hi-Tech Security.
Acting on reliable intelligence about individuals engaged in illegal drug activities, police obtained a search warrant and commenced the operation at approximately 05:00.
While searching the premises, the team received further details indicating that a man residing there was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of explosives.
Police apprehended the suspect and recovered several illegal items, including 89 electronic detonators, 49 Superpower blasting cartridges, six metres of detonating cord, four safety fuses, about nine boxes of cough medication, gold-bearing material (ore) and two portable scales.
The suspect was charged with illegal possession of explosives, illegal possession of gold-bearing material and illegal possession of medication.
Preliminary investigations suggest that he may have been supplying these items to illegal mining operators in the area.
He is expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 21.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the swift response.
'This operation underscores our commitment to combatting criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities. The Barberton area has been a concern and we made a promise to address the situation. So far, our continuous operations are yielding positive results. We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle networks involved in that area. We urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, and we will swiftly act on such information without hesitation,' he said.
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