Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE - The ongoing operation Vala Umgodi in Limpopo arrested sixty-nine (69), illegal miners and undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 46, and confiscated a variety of equipment. The suspects were nabbed between 12 April 2025 and 13 April 2025 at Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mopani, and Capricorn Districts.

The operation targeted the illegal mining activities and other associated crimes.

In Sekhukhune district, the Police arrested 51 undocumented foreign nationals aged between 18 and 46 during an operation conducted at the Marble Hall Policing area on Sunday, 13 April 2025.

Meanwhile, four suspects aged between 28 and 33 were arrested separately for illegal mining of sand on Sunday, 13 April 2025, after they failed to produce mining permits. The members were operating at the area, and the suspects were spotted busy loading sand in trucks at Tlhaveni block D Village, Bevhula and Maluleke Village in Saselemani Policing area. During the arrests, the Police confiscated the trucks and shovels.

Fourteen (14) undocumented foreign nationals aged between 20 and 44 were arrested at Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mopani, and Capricorn Districts.

Suspects will soon appear before the local Magistrate's Court.

The Police investigations are ongoing.

Ends

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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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