Five suspects, aged between 23 and 45, were arrested on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, by members from the National Roving team, K9 (Dog) Unit deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi and Vukalanga Security in Mpumalanga.
The team was conducting disruptive operations at the Barberton area. It was during this period when the five suspects were apprehended after being found without valid documentation to be in South Africa.
During the operation, illicit mining equipment were found abandoned, including phendukas, cylinders, steel balls, ammunition and explosives, as well as other items often used in illegal mining.
The suspects were charged for the Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa and they are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s court soon, facing the said charges
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 has welcomed the exceptional work done by the dedicated members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi.
