| Multidisciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi strikes against illicit activities | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/08/01 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement FREE STATE - A multi-disciplinary team, operating under the banner of Operation Vala Umgodi, has achieved significant successes in a series of disruptive actions targeting illegal mining, contravention of the Immigration Act, and the dealing of counterfeit goods. The operations, which included members of the (SAPS) Airwing, private security, and various specialist units, took place in different parts of the province over the past week. In a coordinated effort, the Vala Umgodi Team, with aerial support from a police chopper and drones, conducted disruptive actions at illegal mining hotspots in Odendaalsrus, Welkom, Theunissen and Virginia. This led to arrests and seizures. On Thursday, 31 July 2025, at approximately 15:00, a proactive team and mine security, acting on intelligence, followed up on information regarding illicit mining activities in the Phillip Area behind the local hospital. Upon arrival, two male suspects, aged 53 and 63, attempted to flee but were apprehended. A search of a nearby shack led to the discovery and confiscation of two gas cylinders, two buckets of gold-bearing material, two plastic bowls, and a rubber washer. Both suspects were arrested for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and for being illegal immigrants. Earlier in the week, in a separate incident in Odendaalsrus, two suspects were arrested at a house after being found in possession of gold smelting equipment. On Thursday, 31 July 2025, at approximately 11:00, the Vala Umgodi Combat Team received intelligence about a male driving a Honda Amaze who was in possession of a suspected Khat plant. Members tactically approached the vehicle at Klopper Park in Bedfordview, Germiston, and discovered six sealed brown boxes containing the suspected Khat plant in the rear boot. The estimated street value of the confiscated plant is R45,000. The 40-year-old driver was immediately arrested for possession of a suspected Khat plant. On Wednesday, 31 July 2025, at approximately 17:00, Vala Umgodi operation members on a disruptive patrol in Wepener spotted a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter panel van traveling at high speed. The vehicle was intercepted, and a search revealed a full load of suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R500,000. Two suspects, aged 41 and 35, were immediately arrested. Upon their arrival at the Wepener police station, the suspects offered police officers a bribe of R15,000 in exchange for their release. The officers took the money, booked it as an exhibit, and a second charge of bribery was added. On Tuesday, 29 July 2025, at approximately 21:30, the Proactive Team responded to a call from mine security. A 45-year-old mine employee was found in possession of contraband items – half a packet of salt and pieces of biltong – which are a contravention of the mine's safety policy protocol. The suspect was arrested for contravening the Mine Health and Safety Act. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face the charges. The South African Police Service remains committed to disrupting all forms of criminal activity and encourages the public to report any suspicious behaviour.
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