A significant Operation Vala Umgodi conducted on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 at Sekhukhune District in Limpopo province, resulted in the arrest of nine suspects aged between 24 and 37, of which one was charged with possession of copper cables, and three with contravention of immigration laws at Groblersdal Policing area and the other five charged with illegal mining at Burgersfort Policing area.
In Groblersdal, one suspect aged 28, was arrested at one of the old mines at Groblersdal Policing area. The Police were patrolling the area when they spotted a group of suspects at the illegal mining site. They approached the suspects, who ran to different directions, and one suspect was then caught.
The following items were confiscated during the arrest:
Copper cables weighing 340kg worth an estimated amount of R52 020-00
1 round of 9mm pistol ammunition
2x Bolt cutters
1x Saw
1x Ratchet
1x Flip knife
4x Spanner
1x Screwdriver
In another incident, three suspects aged between 24 and 28 were arrested for contravention of immigration laws.
Moreover, in Burgersfort Policing area, Police arrested five suspects aged between 25 and 37 for illegal mining at one of the identified illegal mining sites at Steelpoort.
According to information, the Police members received information that they accurately followed and led to the arrest of the suspects. Other suspects fled from the scene upon noticing the Police.
Variety of items such as four red generators, three jack hammers, two electrical extensions, three spades, two shovels, one cell phone including white Isuzu bakkie, truck, and steel craft shaft.
The arrested suspects will appear before the local Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Police investigations are ongoing.
Police confiscate copper cables, a truck and apprehended nine suspects in the Sekhukhune Districthttps://t.co/n3n7mk6ri4#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/x7amrL21XD
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 24, 2025
