| Operation Vala Umgodi brings more successes as suspects appeared in court for contravention of Immigration Act | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/03/17 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT - Operation Vala Umgodi continues to make stride in Mpumalanga and as a result, five suspects, aged between 28 and 39, appeared at the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate's Court (at Elukwatini) on Friday, 14 March 2025 on charges of Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa subsequent to their arrest by Vala Umgodi team members on Thursday, 13 March 2025. According to a report, members received information about vehicles that were transporting illegal miners to conduct illegal mining activities. Along the road, the astute members spotted two vehicles, and upon stopping the vehicle, a search was carried out and inside one vehicle, metal detectors were found. The suspects that are facing charges in relation to contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa were arrested. The Operation Vala enabled members to corner 12 suspects at Tjakastad near Elukwatini on the said day during the time when members from Combat were following up on intelligence information. It was during this time when the suspects were nabbed and members also indicated that there was an attempt by a 38-year-old man who reportedly offered them an amount of R 6800 so in exchange of the metal detectors. The man was then charged. Amongst the confiscated items are various mining equipment, nine metal detectors and a white Nissan Nipro. The value of the equipment is estimated at about R1.2 Million. The five suspects, charged for violation of the Immigration Act, remained in custody and will appear again at the same court on different dates. Godrich Manhuru (37) will appear on 17 March 2025, whilst Sindaro Kwachake (34) will appear on 01 April 2025 meanwhile Gladman Matimusakwa (28) will appear on 19 March 2025, and Ali Dube (39) is scheduled to appear on 27 March 2025. The cases against five other suspects that were charged for illicit mining as well as another one charged for bribery of a police official, were not enrolled in court, pending further investigation. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi remains confident that the ongoing activities carried out by members of Vala Umgodi are making a huge impact in tackling illegal mining activities.
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