Stilfontein: SAPS condemns peddling of lies

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has condemned what it classified as ongoing peddling of misinformation and lies certain issues pertaining to matters related to retrieval operation in Stilfontein.

The police issued a statement explaining the personal information of suspects arrested in the Stilfontein retrieval operation since the commencement of the resurfacing of illegal miners.

According to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, they shared a list of those that have resurfaced and retrieved with two community leaders and this was done to ensure transparency with communities.

Adding that to also ensure that community members assist the police in finding the next-of-kin of those involved in the illegal mining operations.

Understanding the situation in Stilfontein

“The SAPS has since learnt with dismay that these lists which includes names, nationalities and birth dates have been widely shared on various social media platforms. The SAPS is therefore investigating the sharing of suspects personal information in public,” she expressed. 

Clarify the peddling of lies and misinformation on the blasting of shaft 10 by police, Mathe said upon receipt of such allegation, police instructed its explosives team to inspect shaft 10 for any sign of explosion

She continued; “It was found that no such blasting or bombing as is referred to – took place. The SAPS reminds those behind this peddling, that according to the explosives act 26 of 1956 section 27 (1A), it is an offense to communicate false information regarding any explosion or alleged explosion.

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“Those that do will be guilty of an offense – the SAPS is engaging its legal team on a way forward. Furthermore, the allegation that police arrested one of the volunteers in this operation is devoid of truth.

“The volunteer according to the department of correctional services is a parolee and allegedly contravened his parole conditions. The SAPS refers this matter to the department for further information and clarity. It should be noted, that the volunteer is not in police custody,” she remarked. 

Mathe stated that Vala Umgodi deployments continue to prevent and combat illicit mining activities in Stilfontein.