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Major breakthroughs in the fight against Illegal Mining and associated criminal networks

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Operations continue to achieve major breakthroughs in the fight against #IllegalMining and associated criminal networks that threaten the country’s mineral resources and public safety as well as seizures of mining equipment.
The most recent coordinated and intelligence-led operations conducted between 01 to 17 August 2025 led to the arrest of 1 183 suspects of different nationalities across the country.
Amongst some of the items seized during VALA UMGODI operations include:
▶️ 13 unlicensed firearms;
▶️ 241 rounds of ammunition;
▶️ 20 vehicles that include 5 sedans, 3 bakkies, 8 trucks, 4 minibus taxis, and 1 excavator
Highlights of VALA UMGODI Operation’s successes were particularly evident in the following provinces:
GAUTENG: Members deployed for Vala Umgodi Operation in Gauteng conducted a series of operations in different areas, resulting in the arrest of suspects and seizures of unlicensed firearms and illicit items.
FREE STATE: Between 16 to 17 August 2025, Vala Umgodi members carried out operations, leading to the arrest of 195 suspects involved in a wide range of crimes across the Free State Province.
LIMPOPO: On 09 August 2025, the Sekhukhune District Vala Umgodi Task Team conducted a disruptive operation in Tweefontein mining area and intercepted a side-tipper truck loaded with minerals presumed to chrome. A 57-year-old driver was arrested and charged with illegal transportation of chrome.
MPUMALANGA: 01 August 2025, a total of 496 individuals came to the surface at the Barberton mine in Mpumalanga. These individuals were part of a large of group of illegal miners arrested during the multi-disciplinary operation conducted by teams. The total number of suspects that were arrested at a mine in Barberton thus far is 550.
NORTHERN CAPE: Proactive and combat teams in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts executed operations led to the arrest of 18 suspects for illegal mining and contraventions of immigration laws.
NORTH WEST: Members of Vala Umgodi Operation deployed in the Bojanala Platinum District arrested a total of 37 undocumented immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho and Bangladesh in Witrandjie, Mogwase and Skeerpoort, on 15 August 2025.

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