Latest news with #OperationValaUmgodi
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
13 arrested in Blyvooruitzicht as police clamp down on illegal mining
13 arrested in Blyvooruitzicht as police clamp down on illegal mining The SAPS's Vala Umgodi task team in Gauteng made a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining this week when they swooped down on suspects in Blyvooruitzicht near Carletonville. The successful operation was carried out on Monday, July 14, as part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi initiative targeting illicit mining syndicates and related crimes. During the operation, 13 suspects aged between 18 and 36 were arrested for a range of serious offences. These included possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, illegal explosives, and being in possession of a stolen vehicle that had been hijacked in Lenasia South. Police confiscated the grey Toyota Etios, which was positively linked to a carjacking case. In addition to the firearms and vehicle, police seized various explosives commonly used in illegal mining, including detonating cords, Superpower blasting cartridges, and a connector capped fuse. Several of the arrested suspects were also found to be in violation of the Immigration Act, further compounding the charges against them. All 13 suspects are expected to appear in the Oberholzer Magistrate's Court in the coming days. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
10-07-2025
- The South African
Operation Vala Umgodi results in 512 suspects arrested
On 10 July 2025, the South African Police Service reported that they had arrested 512 suspects during Operation Vala Umgodi in the month of June. 'Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations continue to register commendable progress in the fight against illegal mining and related crimes,' said SAPS spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Vincent Mukhathi. He said the suspects arrested were of different nationalities. While authorities arrested most for illegal mining, they charged others with attempted murder, theft of minerals, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms and possession of suspected stolen property. 'The month-long operations targeted illicit activities across multiple provinces, resulting in significant seizures of unpolished diamonds, gold bearing material, chrome, explosives and mining equipment,' said Mukhathi. During the national operations, police seized 83 phendukas (a tool they use to grind gold), 36 generators and 1 TLB. SAPS say they have arrested almost 28 000 suspects since the inception of Operation Vala Umgodi, in November 2023. Mukhathi said in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, the police arrested 22 suspects for illegal mining in the month of June. Officers found the suspects in possession of illegal mining equipment. In a separate operation, in Kagiso, south of Johannesburg, police arrested 11 suspects. They were charged with illegal mining, illegal immigration and unlawful possession of ammunition. 'Vala Umgodi Operation is continuing to intensify its efforts to combat and dismantle illegal mining, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and protect the country's mineral resources,' Mukhathi concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- The Citizen
Five suspects arrested in Operation Vala Umgodi
Five suspects, aged between 19 and 25, were apprehended in Middleburg during Operation Vala Umgodi for allegedly contravening South Africa's Immigration Act. According to Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the suspects were caught by the Combat and Proactive team during routine stop-and-search operations at the Middleburg Toll Plaza. Officers stopped a grey Toyota Quantum, bearing Mozambican registration plates and transporting commuters. The individuals were unable to produce valid documentation permitting their stay in South Africa, leading to their arrest. All five suspects have been formally charged and are expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate's Court soon. The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers involved, highlighting the success and importance of Operation Vala Umgodi in maintaining law and order within the province. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
22-06-2025
- The South African
Police nab 15 suspects for illegal mining in Northern Cape
Police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities and possession of suspected unpolished diamonds in the Northern Cape province. The suspects, aged between 22 and 50, were arrested by a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation conducted by members under Operation Vala Umgodi. The members received information about a suspicious nocturnal mining operation at a diamond site in Koingnaas. The team then acted on the information they received and went to the location where they apprehended 10 suspects who were actively engaged in illegal mining. Additionally, the suspects were also found in possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. Three other suspects were arrested in Longlands following reports of illegal mining activities in the area. Police confiscated equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining, including suspected diamond-bearing gravel and unpolished diamonds. The suspects are expected to appear in their respective Magistrates' Courts on Monday, 23 June 2025. Approximately 150 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs in the Garden Route District, Western Cape. The crime-combating operations, responsible for the arrests, started with their operations on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 and concluded on Sunday, 22 June 2025, where 11 suspects were arrested for drug dealing and 139 suspects for the possession of illicit drugs. A total of 304 mandrax tablets, 87.67 grams of tik, 11 grams of mandrax powder, two grams of cocaine and one gram of cracked cocaine were confiscated. In a related incident, police conducted an intelligence-driven operation at a house on Circular Road, Parkdene in George. Upon arrival, police found 115 mandrax tablets, 20 tik bankies and one R5 round, which were confiscated. The suspects will appear in their respective courts once they have been formally charged. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-06-2025
- The South African
Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested
Nine people were arrested in connection with illegal mining. Image via pexels Home » Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested Nine people were arrested in connection with illegal mining. Image via pexels Police arrested nine suspected illegal miners during a strategic operation at Ha-Pasha, Limpopo. The suspects, aged between 22 and 44, also face charges for violating the Immigration Act. Illegal mining has become prevalent in the province. However, the Sekhukhune District's Operation Vala Umgodi team is relentlessly committed to combating the practice. Intelligence-led officers identified the suspected illegal miners. The suspects are currently in custody at Mecklenburg SAPS. Officers seized several items during the operation. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Masekela Magoro, said SAPS remains committed to protecting the country's natural resources. Magoro said the police will continue efforts to dismantle illegal mining to ensure a safer, sustainable future. The arrests come after the country's mining sector saw its sixth consecutive month of recession. Data released by Statistics South Africa showed that the mining sector had a significant decline in production, down 7.8% year-on-year in April. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West says it has made a significant step in the illegal mining fight. The NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a preservation order relating to about R16 million worth of gold-bearing material (GBM). These were allegedly used for unlawful activities. NPA spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya, said the order follows investigations from 2016 to 2020. During this period, certain suspects and entities reportedly transported GBM from a dormant mine to a processing plant in Stilfontein, Klerksdorp. Thereafter, it was refined, which contravened the Precious Metals Act. As a result, police arrested one suspect, who is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 2 July. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
