The SAPS Border Policing Team at Beitbridge Port of Entry have during the execution of disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi seized seven inflatable boats worth thousands of rands at Limpopo River banks that are believed to have been used for smuggling counterfeit goods crossing the river between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The multi-disciplinary teams comprising of the SAPS Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit and members of the SANDF in various districts have arrested 26 suspects for various offenses such as illegal mining, possession of illicit cigarettes as well as contravention of the Immigration Act on Tuesday 07 May 2024, during their tour of Operation Vala Umgodi.
These Teams in Polokwane have arrested a 36-year-old male suspect for unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Multi-disciplinary teams have confiscated several mining equipment at the scene of illegal mining sites that included tipper trucks, excavator, jackhammers, iron bars and shovels.
The suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts in the week.
Multiple inflatable boats seized and illegal miners nabbed through disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi https://t.co/peXmfblzlz#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Operation @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/YJtEgyBsMo
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 9, 2024
