Delmas – Three Mozambican nationals were arrested after police uncovered unwrought gold worth an estimated R800 000 during a routine patrol on the N12 route near the Delmas off-ramp in Mpumalanga, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.
According to SAPS, a multidisciplinary team was conducting patrol duties under a bridge near the off-ramp when officers noticed a white Toyota Fortuner without registration plates on both sides.
“The vehicle was stopped and searched, and unwrought gold-precious metal was found inside a white plastic bag, with an estimated street value of R800 000,” police said.
The three suspects, aged between 24 and 34, were arrested on the spot for possession of unwrought gold and for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country.
In a separate incident linked to the arrests, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national was also taken into custody after allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer.
#sapsMP Three Mozambican nationals aged between 24 and 34 were arrested on the N12 in Delmas for possession of unwrought gold with an estimated street value of R800 000 and for Contravention of the Immigration Act. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national was charged with… pic.twitter.com/tJvLKFSN4K
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 14, 2025
“While the members were at Delmas police station, charging the suspects at about 02:00 in the morning, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national approached one of the officers and offered a bribe of R5 000 to secure the release of his brothers,” SAPS said.
“He was arrested on the spot for bribing a police officer and charged with bribery.”
All four suspects are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on 15 December 2025, facing charges related to the possession of unwrought gold, contravention of immigration laws and bribery.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved in the operation and issued a warning against criminal activity in the province.
“We are pleased with the success of this operation and the efforts of our members in preventing and combating crime,” Mkhwanazi said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who break the law are brought to book and tried.”
He added that foreign nationals should take note that criminal conduct would not be tolerated in Mpumalanga.
“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,” Mkhwanazi said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
