Four foreign nationals arrested in Delmas for unwrought gold possession and bribery

A multidisciplinary law enforcement team has arrested four foreign nationals following the discovery of unwrought gold valued at an estimated R800,000 and an attempted bribery of a police officer in Delmas, Mpumalanga.

The arrests were made during routine patrols on the N12 route under the bridge at the Delmas off-ramp. Officers stopped a white Toyota Fortuner that was travelling without registration plates on both sides. They searched the vehicle and uncovered unwrought gold-precious metal concealed inside a white plastic bag.

Three Mozambican nationals, aged between 24 and 34, were arrested at the scene for possession of unwrought gold and for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country legally.

While police were processing the suspects at the Delmas police station at around 02:00, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national allegedly approached one of the officers and offered a bribe of R5,000 in an attempt to secure the release of his brothers. He was immediately arrested and charged with bribery.

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

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and dedication. He warned that criminal activity by foreign nationals will not be tolerated in the province.

"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,” said Mkhwanazi.