Barberton: A sting operation was conducted in Barberton earlier yesterday, Friday 18 July 2025, whereby a Zimbabwean national (32) was arrested, with explosives and medicine confiscated.
According to South African Police Service, the operation was collaboratively executed by several specialized units, including Mpumalanga Organized Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence (CI), Tactical Response Team (TRT), the White River K9 Unit, and Hi-Tech Security Company. The operation aimed to tackle ongoing illegal activities in the region, as officers acted on reliable intelligence about individuals engaged in illegal drug activities.
Acting on this intelligence, the dedicated members obtained a search warrant and commenced the operation at approximately 05:00 am. During a thorough search of the premises, they received further details indicating that a male suspect was reportedly involved in selling explosives within the same residence.
The search led to the apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of illegal items, including 89 electronic detonators, 49 superpower blasting cartridges, a 6-meter detonating cord, four safety fuses, nine boxes of cough medication, gold-bearing materials (rocks), and two portable scales.
The suspect was charged with illegal possession of explosives, illegal possession of gold-bearing material, and illegal possession of medication. Preliminary investigations suggest that these items may have been supplied to illegal mining operations in the area.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Monday, 21 July 2025, to face these charges.
Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the swift action taken by the members. He emphasized the commitment to combatting criminal activities and ensuring community safety, highlighting the operations' positive results and the ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal networks in the area.