Vala Umgodi operations led to the arrest of 39 suspects between Thursday, 3 and Saturday, 5 October 2024, in Sun City and Mooinooi.

All 39 suspects, including 34 males and five females, were nabbed for contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002). Out of the 39 suspects, 10 were also charged for illegal mining and eight for being in possession of unwrought material. All 39 suspects will appear before the Brits and Mogwase Magistrate Courts respectively on Monday, 7 October 2024.

During these operations police seized numerous generators, welding machines, water pumps, mining equipment like jack hammers, spades, shovels and chisels. A MAN truck with two trailers, electrical extension cords, fire extinguishers and chrome bearing material were also recovered.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the members for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining.