Police in Free State have arrested three men and seized a cache of explosives in the township of Thabong, in what authorities described as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb violent and organised crime.
The arrests were made on Wednesday afternoon during an intelligence-driven operation led by the Vala Umgodi task team, a multi-disciplinary unit targeting illegal mining and associated criminal activities.
According to a statement issued by Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State, officers from the Combat and Proactive Units were conducting a disruptive operation in the area at around 14:30 when they received information about suspects allegedly storing explosives at a local residence.
Acting swiftly, police moved to the identified address, where they found and apprehended three male suspects aged 43, 53 and 70.
“A search of the premises led to the discovery of a blue plastic bag containing suspicious items,” Kareli said. “The SAPS Forensic Team was immediately summoned to assist, and a total of 60 units of explosives were confiscated for further analysis.”
Authorities believe the explosives may have been intended for use in serious criminal activities, including ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists, which have plagued parts of South Africa in recent years.
Preliminary investigations have also uncovered evidence suggesting the suspects may have been planning further criminal operations, although police did not provide additional details.
The three men have been charged with illegal possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit crime. They are expected to appear soon in the Thabong Magistrate’s Court.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the explosives and whether additional suspects may be involved.
“The SAPS remains vigilant in its mission to remove dangerous materials from our communities,” Kareli said, adding that operations under the Vala Umgodi initiative would continue to target organised crime networks.
The arrests form part of a broader national crackdown aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates linked to illegal mining and violent robberies, which authorities say often rely on explosives to carry out attacks.