NELSPRUIT – A total of 17 suspects were arrested during a successful intelligence-driven operation by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Secunda on Friday, 15 August 2025.
During the operation, dedicated law enforcement members apprehended the suspects for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country. The suspects were apprehended and charged with various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, possession of gold bearing material, as well as possession of illegal mining equipment.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Police to combat illicit mining. Illicit mining equipment was confiscated.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 62, are expected to appear before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 August 2025.
The detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi extends his grateful to the team for the exceptional efforts displayed in curbing illegal mining activities in the province through Operation Vala Umgodi.
