Mpumalanga SAPS Confiscate Grenades and Live Operation During Illegal Mining Operation

• The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga embarked on Operation Vala Umgodi in the Ehlanzeni district
• The police confiscated live ammunition and hand grenades, and the suspected illegal miners fled the scene
• South Africans praised the police, and many exclaimed that the new police minister was doing an excellent job in fighting crime

During his four years at Daily Sun, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of criminal activities, investigations and court proceedings in South Africa.

MPUMALANGA — Suspected illegal miners fled from the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga on 20 September after the South African Police Service descended upon the area during an Operation Vala Umgodi expedition.

Grenades, live ammo found

According to the South African Police Service, the operation, led by District Commissioner Major General Dorah Xaba, focused on the Dientjie area. When the suspected illegal miners learned that the police were closer to the area where they were doing illegal mining, they escaped and fled the scene.

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The police confiscated two hand grenades and live ammunition. The province's acting Commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the recovery of the items and said the discovery of the military-grade items was a concern. He also issued a warning against illegal miners.

SA praises SAPS

Netizens on Facebook waxed lyrical about the South African Police Service's efforts to clamp down on illegal mining.

Uche Saenchez said:

"In all honesty, the new minister is doing something better so far."

Themba Mthizo said:

"It's war. We are in a war zone."

Raolane Moshoma May Chomie said:

"Great job."

Tshephang Ralenyena asked:

"Where on earth did they get the hand grenades?"

Hlakudi Kgalema Hlakudi said:

"Well done, SAPS."

Lucky Fakude said:

"This is terrorism, and it shows how weak our security forces are, especially the SANDF."

Nyathi Mmdue asked:

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"Where do people get such dangerous things?"

Illegal mining in informal settlement

In a related article, Briefly News reported that the police arrested two men who were engaged in illegal mining in their home in an informal settlement.

A tunnel led from one of the suspects' shacks to a nearby mine, where they illegally mined gold. Netizens were amused, and some joked that the illegal miners were working from home.

Source: Briefly News