South African police intensified their crackdown on crime over the Easter weekend, with operations targeting illegal mining, drug trafficking and undocumented foreign nationals across several provinces.
Law enforcement officers arrested dozens of suspects and confiscated weapons, drugs, explosives and stolen property.
During Operation Vala Umgodi (Operation Close the Mine), authorities arrested 27 individuals in Barberton in Mpumalanga province on Sunday, including 11 undocumented foreign nationals.
“One suspect was found in possession of explosives and another one was found in possession of ammunition,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced on Monday.
Another 13 suspects were arrested during an anti-illegal mining operation at Simile Informal Settlement, also in Mpumalanga.
The suspects also face charges of Contravention of the Immigration Act after they failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country.
Police also detained a suspected undocumented foreigner in Vosman in the same province on Saturday where officers seized three stolen vehicles along with multiple car keys and identity documents. Drugs, including crack cocaine and dagga, were also confiscated in the operation.
Other illegal mining arrests were made in Limpopo province’s Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Mopani districts as police continue efforts to curb illicit activities that fuel criminal networks.
Illegal mining is a widespread crime in South Africa. Authorities have increasingly taken a hard line, cracking down on miners, called “zama zamas”.
Drug-related offenses also featured prominently in police operations.
Two men were arrested in Free State province’s Welkom on Sunday after officers seized 35 sachets of Methcathinone (CAT), along with cash believed to be linked to drug transactions.
Authorities in Western Cape province confiscated two illegal firearms and ammunition in Milnerton and Kalksteenfontein, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
South Africa’s crime rate remains among the highest globally, with violent crimes, drug trafficking and organised criminal activities posing ongoing challenges for law enforcement.
Despite persistent efforts, issues such as illegal mining and undocumented immigration continue to contribute to the country’s complex security landscape.
JN/APA