Three foreign nationals were arrested during a late-night operation in Mpumalanga after police uncovered unwrought gold worth an estimated R800,000.
Police also arrested another foreigner for allegedly offering them a R5,000 bribe to release his brothers who had been arrested earlier.
Three Mozambican nationals, aged between 24 and 34, were arrested on the spot for possession of unwrought gold and failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country.
They are expected to appear in the Delmas magistrate’s court on Monday.
According to police, members of a multidisciplinary team were performing patrol duties on the N12 route under the bridge at the Delmas off-ramp when they noticed a white Toyota Fortuner with no registration plates.
Police spokesperson Lt -Col Jabu Ndubane said the vehicle was stopped and searched and unwrought gold with an estimated street value of R800,000 was found inside a white plastic bag,.
Ndubane said while the officers were at Delmas police station charging the suspects at about 2am in the morning, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national offered a R5,000 bribe to one of the officers to secure the release of the man’s brothers, who were arrested earlier.
The man was arrested on the spot for bribing a police officer and charged with bribery.
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Gen Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the officers for their exceptional work and dedication.
Mkhwanazi also warned foreign nationals that police in the province would not tolerate any criminal activities.
“We are pleased with the success of this operation and the efforts of our members in preventing and combating crime. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who break the law are brought to book and tried. We urge all members of the community to report any information about crime to the police, and to work with us to create a safer and more secure environment for all individuals, particularly during the festive season,” he said.
TimesLIVE
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