| 216 suspects arrested, 5 firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition seized during this week Vala Umgodi Operations | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/07/30 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement PRETORIA - Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations continue to intensify its relentless efforts in the fight against illegal mining and related criminal activities across the country. This week, the operations carried out between 21 to 27 July 2025 successfully led to the arrest of 216 suspects of different nationalities. These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms, possession of suspected stolen property, contravention of Immigration Act, unlawful possession of gold bearing material, possession of unpolished diamond and drug trafficking. In addition, the hard work and dedication by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga paid off when seven illegal immigrants, aged between 21 and 38 years were each sentenced to 06 months imprisonment, during their appearance at the Pilgrim's Rest Periodical Court and Graskop Magistrates’ Court in June 2025 and July 2025. After serving their sentence, they will be deported back to their respective countries of origin. Among various items seized during this week’s VALA UMGODI operations include: ▶️ 5 unlicensed firearms; ▶️ 23 rounds of ammunition; ▶️ 6 vehicles that include 4 sedans, 2 trucks, 1 motorcycle, and 1 TLB; Other highlights of Operation Vala Umgodi per province include: ▶️GAUTENG: Members deployed for Vala Umgodi Operation in Gauteng arrested three suspects, aged between 17 and 34, for contravention of Immigration Act and engaging in illegal mining activities at Cloverdene squatter camp in Crystal Park on Monday, on 21 July 2025.During the disruptive operation, the police seized equipment used for illegal mining activities, including steel pots, steel stampers, wheel barrows, picks, and a stone crasher machine, as well as explosives, including superpower blasting cartridges, detonating cord, and carmex connector capped fuses. ▶️FREE STATE: Swift action by the Vala Umgodi detectives in collaboration with combat units and private security has led to the arrest of two mine employees allegedly aiding illegal mining activities near Hennenman The arrests follow a thorough investigation that began on 8 July 2025, when four illegal miners were intercepted, attempting to access underground operations at a local mine. Detectives from the Vala Umgodi unit meticulously traced leads and gathered evidence, which culminated in the apprehension of the two individuals. The first suspect, a 45-year-old foreign national employed as a dump truck driver at the mine, was arrested. His black Mercedes-Benz minibus, allegedly used to transport illegal miners, was confiscated. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 41-year-old female who holds the position of Human Resources Manager at the same mine. Her red Audi sedan was also seized, as it is alleged to have been used in transporting illegal miners to the mine premises. ▶️MPUMALANGA: Members from the National Roving team and K9 Unit deployed for Vala Umgodi Operation in Mpumalanga arrested three illegal immigrants during a disruptive operation in Barberton, on 23 July 2025. They were also found in possession explosives and gold processing equipment, as well as gold bearing material (three nuggets gold), estimated at about R300 000.The team confiscated illicit mining equipment, including gas cylinders, oxygen cylinders, explosives, gold bearing material, and other items. ▶️LIMPOPO: The Sekhukhune District Vala Umgodi team acted swiftly and arrested a truck driver, and a TLB driver found loading minerals believed to be Chrome ore at the Spitskop, Portion 06, on 21 July 2025. Both drivers were arrested on the spot and taken into custody. The team seized a 10-cube tipper truck and a TLB as well as minerals for further investigation. ▶️NORTHERN CAPE: A total of 24 suspects aged between 22 and 44 years were arrested in connection with illegal mining and violations of immigration laws during Vala Umgodi intelligence-driven operations conducted in the Francis Baard and Namakwa Districts. ▶️KWAZULU-NATAL: On July 2025, Vala Umgodi Operation members arrested three rhino poachers in northern KwaZulu-Natal The suspects aged between 33 and 40 years were intercepted on the R66 Road en-route from Hluhluwe to a game farm in the Magudu area, reportedly to poach rhinos A hunting rifle with a silencer was found in the suspects’ vehicle, including ammunition and a licensed pistol. Operation Vala Umgodi continues to be government’s key initiative in the fight against illegal mining and related crimes as well as to maintain law and order in the affected provinces. Ends
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