Pastor Among Arrested in Barberton for Illegal Possession of Gold, Immigration Violations Detected

In a significant crackdown on illegal mineral trafficking, South African Police Service (SAPS) members in Barberton, Mpumalanga, have detained a local pastor and another individual for possessing unauthorized gold-bearing materials (GBM). This arrest, made on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, underscores a broader law enforcement surge under Operation Vala Umgoli, aimed at staunching various illegal undertakings in the region.

The operation unfolded after SAPS received critical intelligence concerning individuals transporting GBM along the R38 road. Officers set up surveillance and identified a vehicle that matched the description provided in the tip-off. Upon intercepting and searching the vehicle, approximately 60 grams of GBM, estimated to be worth around R60,000, were discovered alongside R9,200 in cash. Both the suspects, a 40-year-old pastor from a local church in Barberton and a 37-year-old male, were taken into custody and charged with possession of gold-bearing materials.

On the same day, further patrols along the R40 and R38 roads led to more arrests; this time involving immigration offenses. Two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 25 and 27, were apprehended after they failed to produce valid documentation, breaching South Africa's Immigration Act. Their arrest highlights ongoing concerns over illegal immigration and its implications for security and employment within local communities.

As part of the continued efforts, SAPS also conducted operations in Verulam Village where they seized two abandoned gas cylinders, a find that suggests potential unlawful activities, though the specifics remain under investigation.

The cases, including that of the pastor and his associate, as well as the two Zimbabwean nationals, are set to be brought before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court. These arrests are pivotal not only in curbing illegal mining and immigration offenses but also serve as a deterrent to potential offenders within the Mpumalanga and broader South African context.

As the community reels from these revelations, attention is drawn to the broader issue of resource poaching and illegal immigration, which continues to pose significant challenges to the region's law enforcement and economic stability. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the vigilance needed to combat these pervasive issues effectively.