Operation Vala Umgodi consists of a multidisciplinary team from different police units acting against illegal mining.
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According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane, police, together with Hi-Tech Security and the local community policing forum, were conducting a sting operation when they arrested 15 undocumented foreign nationals, of which five were also charged with conspiracy to commit illicit mining activities. Two others were found in possession of mercury, illicit cigarettes, liquor, firearms and ammunition.
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The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton magistrate’s court soon.
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