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362 suspects arrested, illegal mining equipment destroyed during nationwide Vala Umgodi operations this week

on in Crime, Legal

This week, 362 suspects of different nationalities were arrested during nationwide VALA UMGODI operations.

These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes that include, among others; attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of drugs.

In addition, police in Gauteng destroyed illegal mining equipment on 14 May 2025, in a concerted effort to prevent and combat illegal mining activities in the province. Destroyed illegal mining equipment included phendukas, phenduka pots, gas cylinders, and generators. These items were seized during VALA UMGODI operations carried out in different parts of Ekurhuleni District.

Among various items seized during this week’s VALA UMGODI operations are the following:

▶️ Four unlicensed firearms;

▶️ 91 rounds of ammunition;

▶️ 21 vehicles that include sedans, bakkies, trucks, TLB’s, and an excavator

Other highlights per province for the week include:

▶️ Free State: The VALA UMGODI team in Free State province executed an intelligence driven operation on 17 May 2025, and arrested six suspects in a swoop. The team carried out a planned disruptive operation to combat illegal mining activities prohibited by MPRDA [Mineral And Petroleum Resources Development Act].

▶️ KwaZulu-Natal: Members deployed in KZN as part of OPERATION VALA UMGODI recovered vehicle parts at a house in Dondotha on 12 May 2025. These parts belong to a vehicle which was reportedly hijacked at Esikhaleni. Further investigation is still underway.

▶️ Limpopo: The VALA UMGODI team in Limpopo arrested 12 suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities, possession of suspected precious minerals, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Giyani and Malamulele policing areas on 17 May 2025.

▶️ Mpumalanga: Fifteen illegal miners were arrested on 13 May 2025, during a VALA UMGODI operation in Barberton. Illegal mining equipment that include phendukas and generators were also recovered.

▶️ Northern Cape: The VALA UMGODI team in Northern Cape acted on a tip-off which led to the arrest of two suspects in Port Nolloth on 13 May 2025; unpolished diamonds were found in their possession.

Community members are reminded that illegal mining is a criminal activity that is a contravention of the country’s laws and forms part of many other economic related crimes that are afflicting our society.

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