In relentless efforts displayed by members of Operations Vala Umgodi in Limpopo province, on Saturday, 15 March 2025. Seven suspects were arrested separately for illegal mining of sand at Hlogotlou, Mankweng, and Mphephu policing precincts. Meanwhile, three suspects were detained for contravention of Immigration Act during stop and search duties at Giyani policing precincts.
Police reports indicated that in Sekhukhune District, the members found four suspects busy loading sand in a truck. The suspects did not have a valid mining permit. They were immediately arrested for illegal mining of sand.
Various items were confiscated, which included a white Mercedes-Benz truck, shovels, and picks with handles and spades.
Additionally, in Vhembe District, the police arrested a 40-year-old suspect at Tshituni Tshafhasi in the Mphephu policing area. The suspect was also found loading sand in a white Mercedes Benz truck and also in possession of shovels, picks with handles and spades. In Capricorn District, a 59-year-old man was arrested in Thokgoaneng at Mankweng policing area for illegal mining of sand.
Whereas in Mopani District, three suspects aged between 25 and 43 were arrested for contravention of Immigration Act during a stop and search in Giyani police area.
The police investigations are continuing.
Police pounce significantly on illegal miners during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo https://t.co/BIiV7X6JEk#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/kqtzlP3uEj
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 19, 2025
