Efforts to curb the illegal trade of precious minerals in the province led to a significant arrest on Tuesday after a suspect was found in possession of high-value stones.
Members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) apprehended a 39-year-old foreign national on 17 March 2026. The arrest occurred at approximately 16:45 on Joubert Street in the Ladybrand Central Business District.
According to authorities, the operation was prompted by intelligence regarding an individual allegedly dealing in precious stones in the area. AGU members tracked the leads to Ladybrand, where the suspect was identified and tactically approached.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s person led to the recovery of two medium-sized plastic bags containing twelve precious stones. The estimated street value of the recovered minerals is between R900,000 and R1 million.
The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with the illegal possession of precious stones. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court soon.