Vala Umgodi Operations lead to arrest of 40 Illegal Miners

North West – Forty suspects were arrested during the integrated police ‘Vala Umgodi’ operations between Sunday, 29 September, and Tuesday, 2 October 2024. The operations were conducted in Hartbeespoort Dam, Mooinooi, Tlhabane, and Sun City.

According to police spokesperson, colonel Adéle Myburgh, the suspects were arrested for violating Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act (Act No. 13 of 2002). Fourteen suspects have appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and have been remanded in custody. The remaining 26 appeared before the Mankwe and Bafokeng Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, 3 October 2024.

During the operations, police seized a significant amount of illegal mining equipment, including jackhammers, spades, shovels, batteries, pendukas, and wheelbarrows.

Provincial police commissioner lieutenant general Sello Kwena expressed his gratitude to all involved in the operation, praising their ongoing commitment to curbing illegal mining activities.

Main photo: Provisions used by zama-zamas, discovered at one of the illegal mining sites during the police operation.