Pastor arrested for possession of gold-bearing material worth R60K! A 40-year-old pastor from Barberton, Mpumalanga, was arrested on Tuesday after being found in possession of gold-bearing material. He was apprehended along with another suspect during a police operation.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, explained that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were working under Operation Vala Umgoli when they received a tip-off about two individuals allegedly transporting gold-bearing material along the R38 Road.
“Officers conducted a waylay based on the information provided and spotted a silver vehicle matching the description given. The SAPS members intercepted the vehicle and, upon searching it, discovered approximately 60 grams of gold-bearing material with an estimated street value of R60,000, as well as cash in R200 notes totaling R9,200,” Ndubane said.
The vehicle and all seized items were confiscated for further investigation. Both suspects were charged with possession of gold-bearing materials and are expected to appear in court soon.
Pastor arrested
Recent Illegal Mining Busts
This arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities across South Africa. Earlier in February, four suspects—three Zimbabwean nationals and one Mozambican—were arrested for allegedly operating an illegal gold processing laboratory. The operation was located along the R71 near Tarentaalrand in the Letsitele policing area, under the Mopani District in Limpopo.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba identified the suspects as Jonh Vondo, 39, Hardlife Manjoko, 35, Biggie Chimwero, 36, and Samuel Almeida Mashaba, 46. They appeared at the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on February 10, facing charges related to the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. Mashaba also faces charges under the Immigration Act.
Details of the Illegal Gold Operation
According to Ledwaba, two of the arrested suspects are believed to be the primary kingpins driving illegal mining operations in the area. During the operation, law enforcement seized various items believed to be used in the illegal processing of precious minerals. These items included containers with carbon ashes, gas bottles, sulfuric acid, and oxygen cylinders.
The police also confiscated two vehicles—a red Haval and a white Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates—believed to belong to the suspected kingpins. The suspects were remanded in custody until February 18 for a formal bail hearing.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has become a significant issue in South Africa, particularly in regions known for their mineral wealth. The activities often involve the theft of minerals, environmental degradation, and violent turf wars between rival mining syndicates. Authorities are intensifying their efforts to crack down on these activities, focusing on both the illegal miners and the larger syndicates that fund and control the operations.
Major operations like Operation Vala Umgoli have been launched to target the entire value chain of illegal mining, from the extraction of minerals to the processing and sale of stolen materials. The confiscation of tools, vehicles, and other assets is a critical strategy in disrupting these networks.
Community Involvement and Reporting Crime
Authorities are also urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining. Community cooperation is seen as essential to identifying and stopping criminal operations before they escalate. Law enforcement agencies have set up hotlines and other channels to facilitate the reporting of illegal activities.
The Broader Impact of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has significant social and economic impacts. Beyond financial losses to the state, the environmental damage caused by unauthorized mining operations can be severe, with pollutants such as sulfuric acid contaminating water sources. Additionally, illegal mining operations often expose workers to dangerous conditions without adequate safety measures.
The arrest of the pastor and the ongoing investigation into the Limpopo syndicate highlight the growing seriousness with which authorities are treating these crimes. With continued vigilance and community cooperation, law enforcement aims to curb the rise of illegal mining and its associated crimes across the country.
