A suspect, by the name of Lemango Abrihim Kalbiro (37) appeared at Graskop Magistrate’s Court today, Monday 03 June 2024 after his arrest by the Police in Dientjie for possession of illicit cigarettes. The suspect was nabbed in the early hours of Saturday, 01 June 2024.
Thanks to the efforts by the team of law enforcement agencies, assigned to curb illegal mining activities as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. These members, in conjunction with officials from the Department of Home Affairs, conducted a joint operation at Dintjie, in the Ehlanzeni District.
During the said operation, the astute members spotted a blue Nissan 1400 bakkie and stopped it then immediately conducted a search.
It was during this time when members discovered that the car was loaded with two boxes containing 1000 packets of 20 illicit cigarettes.
The suspect had difficulty in explaining how the cigarettes were acquired, hence he was apprehended and charged accordingly.
During his court appearance, the case was postponed to Tuesday, 04 June 2024 where the suspect is expected to make a formal bail application. For now, the suspect remains in custody.
Besides the man’s arrest, the dedicated team arrested other nine (09) suspects, aged between 22 and 63 for Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa. Six of the suspects are Mozambican nationals whilst three others are Zimbabwean nationals.
All nine apprehended suspects were found around the place where illegal mining activities are often conducted.
Officials from the department of Home Affairs are assisting in this regard.
Further than that, some Gold bearing material as well as other equipment believed to be used during illegal mining activities were confiscated after being found abandoned by some people at the sites where the unauthorized mining activities are carried out.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has applauded the team for not only paying attention to illegal mining, but also focused on all criminal activities in the province.
