Police operation in Matholesville a success
Hordes of mining equipment along with drugs and liquor were confiscated and numerous arrests were made during Operation Valu Mgodi.
On February 2, the police, accompanied by the SA National Defence Force (NDF), raided the informal settlement in Matholesville as part of Operation Valu Mgodi.
Captain Jeff Phora, spokesperson for the police, explained the operation is aimed at putting a stop to illegal mining operations. He continued as soon as they arrived at the informal settlement, a bakkie with mining sand on the back was abandoned with the occupants of the bakkie running off in between the informal dwellings.
He explained this makes their job harder as most of the time the perpetrators know the area very well and it is a difficult terrain to search. He noted the best way in which they can catch perpetrators is by surrounding the area and catching them when they get out.
During the operation, five men were detained by officers of the NDF for alleged illegal mining operations. Thereafter they were forcefully interrogated to reveal where more mining equipment was hidden. However, upon further investigation by the officers, it was determined that these men were illegal immigrants.
Phora noted illegal mining is dominated by undocumented persons from various countries including Mozambique and Lesotho.
The police also searched the area and the dwellings looking for illegal substances, including drugs, liquor and firearms. He mentioned in many cases people would use their liquor licenses from other premises outside of the informal settlement as licenses are not permitted for informal settlements.
He concluded in total, two arrests were made in connection with illegal substances and one in connection with illegally dealing in liquor. Further, a total of 55 illegal immigrants were arrested. Mining equipment along with detonator cords and explosive tubes, as well as drugs and liquor were confiscated.
