The multi-disciplinary forces through disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi have arrested 16 suspects over the weekend for a variety of charges, including illegal mining, possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Immigration Act in various districts.
The forces comprised of members of the SAPS Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Forensic Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing and the SANDF Sector 2 Limpopo Battalion in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. These multi-disciplinary joint forces conducted a high-density disruptive operations in the five districts respectively with the purpose to prevent illegal mining activities and these operations yielded positive results.
The teams managed to confiscate mining equipment including tipper trucks, jackhammers, power generators, electrical cables, shovels, spades, picks, iron bars and wheelbarrows, believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining of minerals and sand.
In addition, the teams seized thousands of rand worth of illicit cigarettes that were found in various tuckshops in the Waterberg District.
The suspects arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act were referred to the Immigration Officers to be processed for a direct deportation back to their countries of origin.
The suspects arrested over the weekend are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts soon in the week.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to clamp down on illegal mining activities https://t.co/7ErDLLttLx#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/XqPddEr9ew
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 15, 2024
