Zimbabwean Man Arrested with Explosives and Medicine in South Africa
A 32-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in Barberton, Mpumalanga, after being found with illegal explosives, medication, and suspected gold-bearing material.
The arrest took place during a sting operation on Mandela Day, 18 July 2025.
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Major Operation Targets Suspected Supplier to Illegal Miners
The coordinated bust involved several specialised police units, including the Organized Crime Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, the White River K9 Unit, and private security company Hi-Tech.
During the operation, authorities recovered a cache of illicit items believed to be used in illegal mining activities.
During the raid, police recovered:
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89 electronic detonators
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49 Superpower blasting cartridges
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A six-metre detonating cord
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Four safety fuses
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Nine boxes of cough medication
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Gold-bearing rock material
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Two portable scales
Police Probe Illegal Mining Links
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, initial investigations point to the suspect’s involvement in supplying materials to illegal miners operating in the province.
Mdhluli said the bust marked a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt unlawful mining networks, which continue to endanger both public safety and the environment.
Suspect to Appear in Court
The man is facing several charges, including the illegal possession of explosives, unauthorised possession of gold-bearing material, and unlawful possession of pharmaceutical products. He is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 July 2025.
Social Media Reacts
Here are some of the comments;
@ZweliKingdlomo;
One can easily tell that this is an organised crime!
How can the incoming acting Police Minister make such reckless utterances.
Only naive person can make such negotiations with hardcore criminal syndicates that includes illegal immigrants criminals. They are RUTHLESS!!!
@TsaganePag;
@SAHRCommission this is the nonsense that you are imposing on us. This is the last ANC government, Mark my words, you will be the first institution to be overhauled when the ANC is out of power
@jigsawjiggies;
this is why Operation Dudula and the likw are necessary. they should keep blocking foreigners from our clinics and hospitals