The team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga arrested sixteen (16) suspects today, on 25 April 2025 in two informal settlements at Sabie. The arrested suspects, aged between 18 and 42, were found to be undocumented foreign nationals and amongst them, one was found with gold bearing material.
During Operation Vala Umgodi, the men and women in Blue remain committed to working hard and address illegal mining activities in the province.The astute members from Combat and Proactive conducted a disruptive operation which was productive.
Illegal mining equipment were confiscated at the time and these include gold bearing material, a phenduka and shovel. These items were reportedly found abandoned.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 on charges of Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa and for illegal possession of gold bearing material.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities. The General further reassured the public that more achievements are expected as the operation continues.
Sixteen suspects netted during Operation Vala Umgodi, gold-bearing material seizedhttps://t.co/j4YPHXaiJu#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/6rzeAydmpI
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 26, 2025
