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

NELSPRUIT - The distinctive multidisciplinary team apprehended 13 suspects, aged between 18 and 35 during Operation Vala Umgodi when they carried out their duties at Simile Informational Settlement at Sabie on 18 April 2025.

The members from Combat and Proactive team cornered the suspects as they failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country then charged them for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.

Meanwhile during their arrest, the astute members seized illicit mining equipment at the scene.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has acknowledged with much appreciation the impact made by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi.
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