Operation Vala Umgodi leads to arrest of illegal miners

Operation Vala Umgodi, under the activities of 2024/2025 Safer Festive Season Operation, has led to the arrest of four suspects on Friday, 25 October 2024. Members of the Lydenburg K9 Unit carried out the operation in Graskop within the Ehlanzeni District. This is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities in the area. During the operation, while conducting patrol on the R533 Pilgrim's Rest/Graskop Road, members of the Lydenburg K9 Unit spotted a maroon Nissan Qashqai with occupants inside. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two men from Mozambique in possession of about 24 small balls of gold as well as gold-bearing soil. These individuals were immediately arrested and charged with illegal possession of precious metal (gold) and gold-bearing soil. The astute members also found that the two suspects did not have the required documentation to be in South Africa. Meanwhile in a related development, during the same operation, two other Mozambican nationals were also arrested aft er being caught without the necessary documentation to be in South Africa. Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the suspects have been charged with contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the efforts of the men and women in Blue after apprehending the four suspects. The General further emphasized that the Police and other law enforcement agencies are dedicated to increasing visibility in areas where illegal mining activities are prevalent. "The SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to curbing illegal mining activities and ensuring that these unlawful miners are brought to book hence the operation will intensify even more, " reassured the General. Source: South African Police Service