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April 24, 2024Nelspruit, 21 April 2024 – A joint operation conducted by South African law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of seven South African nationals and two Zimbabwean nationals for possession of suspected stolen coal in Ermelo early this morning.
The operation, dubbed Operation Vala Umgodi, was initiated based on intelligence-driven information, leading to the apprehension of the suspects between 4:40 am and 5:30 am along Goldview Gravel Road near Ermelo.
Upon interception, two trucks and a Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) were found to be fully loaded with coal. The occupants failed to provide proof of purchase, prompting their immediate arrest for possession of suspected stolen coal.
The seven South African suspects, aged between 22 and 44, and the two Zimbabwean suspects, both aged 41, were taken into custody. Additionally, the foreign nationals face charges under the Immigration Act of South Africa for lacking valid documentation. The police are collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs in addressing this aspect of the case.
The three vehicles were seized for further investigation, while the suspects are scheduled to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 April 2024.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, welcomed the arrests and commended the officers involved in Operation Vala Umgodi for their diligent efforts in combating illegal mining activities.