PICS| Gold Smugglers Busted On N12 As R5k Bribe Bid Backfires In Mpumalanga

A routine patrol on the N12 in Delmas, Mpumalanga, led to the arrest of three Mozambican nationals after police discovered unrefined gold valued at R800 000 concealed in their vehicle.

The multidisciplinary team was conducting patrol duties under the N12 bridge near the Delmas off-ramp when officers noticed a white Toyota Fortuner without registration plates on either side. The vehicle was stopped and searched.

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During the inspection, police found unwrought gold, classified as precious metal, inside a white plastic bag. The gold was estimated to have a street value of R800 000.

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 permitting them to be in South Africa.

Bribe Offer at Police Station Leads to Fourth Arrest

While officers were processing the suspects at Delmas police station at around 02:00, a fourth individual approached police in an attempt to interfere with the case.

A 27-year-old Zimbabwean national allegedly offered a bribe of R5 000 to one of the officers, seeking the immediate release of the three suspects he referred to as his “brothers”.

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The man was immediately arrested and charged with bribing a police officer.

SAPS Warns Foreign Nationals as Court Date Set

All four suspects are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on 15 December 2025, where they will face the respective charges.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved for their commitment and professionalism.

“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.”

Mkhwanazi also issued a stern warning that criminal activity by foreign nationals would not be tolerated in the province.

He urged communities to work closely with police, particularly during the festive season, to help create safer environments.

“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.”

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