As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, authorities seized several items used for illegal mining at Beatrix Mine Shaft 1, near Theunissen.

A six-metre ladder, a one-kilometre rope, and a five-metre scaffolding plank. Photo: SAPS

The Vala Umgodi team conducted surveillance operations on Friday (7/3), including foot and vehicle patrols, as well as drone surveillance, said Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane. 

Officers discovered crucial equipment commonly used for illegal underground mining, hidden near an air ventilation shaft close to the R30.

Among the seized items were a kilometre-long rope, a five-metre scaffolding plank, a five-metre steel pole, a six-metre step ladder, a red safety pack, and a harness.

“All recovered equipment was documented and logged into the evidence management system at Theunissen Police Station, where it will be used in ongoing investigations and prosecutions,” said Covane.

The latest seizure follows a series of successful operations targeting illegal mining syndicates in the Free State.

In a separate incident earlier this year, police intercepted an Iveco midibus carrying prepackaged food parcels intended for illegal miners. The food, which included canned goods, fizzy drinks, and instant porridge, was meant to be dropped down a ventilation shaft at Beatrix Mine. The suspect transporting the supplies was arrested on the spot.

Additionally, a 22-year-old was apprehended at Eland Old Mine after he had 24.18kg of gold-bearing material, a pickaxe, and a shovel.

In another operation at Western Holdings 05 Mine, a 27-year-old was caught processing gold-bearing material on a makeshift slope table, a common tool used by illegal miners to refine extracted gold.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg