In a significant move to combat illicit mining and related criminal activities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recently destroyed a makeshift bridge near the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. This decisive action underscores the SAPS’s commitment to safeguarding the nation against illegal crossings and smuggling operations.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the makeshift bridge, situated less than 1 km east of the Beitbridge Port of Entry, was discovered by border policing units during a routine patrol of the border fence line. The bridge was reportedly utilized for smuggling goods and people between the two countries.
With the onset of the Limpopo province’s rainy season, the SAPS’s Explosive Section was deployed to safely dismantle the bridge. Van Wyk emphasized the importance of this operation in preventing further illegal activities, stating, “Through the expertise of the SAPS’s Explosive Section, the bridge was successfully destroyed.”
The bridge demolition is part of a broader initiative known as Operation Vala Umgodi, launched in December 2023. This multi-agency operation involves the collaboration of the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and other law enforcement agencies. It aims to address the rising incidence of illicit mining and border-related crimes.
Van Wyk noted that operations under this initiative are concentrated in seven provinces identified as hotspots for illegal activities: Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and North West. Earlier this year, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reported that over 281,000 individuals were intercepted to prevent unlawful entry into South Africa since the deployment of border guards. Police are determined to enforce the law and ensure that anyone found on the wrong side of immigration regulations is arrested.
In recent operations conducted between Thursday and Friday, 13 suspects were arrested in Mooinooi, North West, for violating Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act. These individuals are scheduled to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court. In another operation in Stilfontein, police responded to reports from mine security regarding illegal miners. Six suspects were apprehended at a local mine shaft, and during a search, seven pieces of gold were discovered hidden in one suspect’s dreadlocks. The following day, six additional illegal miners were found at the same location, leading to further arrests and the discovery of more gold.
All 12 suspects from Stilfontein face charges for contravening immigration laws and illegal mining activities. They will also appear before the local Magistrates’ Court. The recent destruction of the makeshift bridge near Beitbridge, alongside ongoing operations against illegal mining and smuggling, illustrates the SAPS’s commitment to enforcing the law and enhancing border security. Through initiatives like Operation Vala Umgodi, South Africa aims to curb illicit activities that undermine the country’s safety and economic integrity. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies are crucial in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.
In other news – Shadaya and Temba Mliswa slam Selmor Mtukudzi following her emotional on-stage breakdown
Social media influencer Shadaya Knight has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Selmor Mtukudzi, the daughter of the late legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi. During the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi Festival, Selmor was visibly emotional and broke down on stage, an incident that has drawn significant attention and sparked debate.
In his comments, Knight expressed strong views about Selmor’s behavior, suggesting that it reflects deeper familial issues. He stated, “Selmor Manatsa (no longer Mtukudzi) is a perfect example of what happens when a child inherits a parent’s bitterness.” Knight criticized Selmor, who he noted is a married woman in her 40s, for her ongoing drama related to her father’s legacy and inheritance. Read More
