The multidisciplinary Vala Umgodi forces arrested 23 suspects aged between 19 and 51 during operations conducted on Friday, 31 January 2025, across Limpopo province. The suspects face charges ranging from illegal mining, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of illicit cigarettes, contravening immigration laws, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Mopani Task Team, in collaboration with the National Intervention Unit (MAJOC Roving Team), conducted a disruptive operation within the Mavalani illegal mining site in the Giyani policing precinct from the early hours of Friday, 31 January. At approximately 11:00, with the assistance of a drone pilot, two suspected illegal miners were swiftly apprehended. Numerous items, including pendukas, were seized from the site. Both suspects, aged 30 and 33, were also charged with contravening the Immigration Act after failing to provide legal documentation to remain in the country.
An extensive search was conducted in nearby villages, leading to the discovery of electrical cords used to supply power to the mining sites.
Among the seized items found abandoned were:
– 01 x bottle with presumed mercury
– 01 x 7kg bag of suspected gold-bearing minerals
– 05 x Motor drives
– 01 x 25L bucket full of steel marbles
– 02 x spades and 02 picks
– 01 x small hammer
– 05 x pendukas
– 02 x white 20m electric cables
– 01 x blue 20m electric cable
– 03 x bags of crushed stones
– 01 x blue single-phase induction motor
– 02 x mining headlamps
– 12 x iron crushing balls
Additionally, the Sekhukhune District Task Team, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force, arrested two suspects aged 36 and 37 for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. The suspects were arrested at around 20:00 during an intelligence-driven operation in the Dennilton policing precinct. The vehicle, a Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration, was reported stolen in Witbank, Mpumalanga province, in October 2024. Two undocumented persons, one suspect found in possession of illicit cigarettes, and another found drinking under the influence of liquor, were also arrested
The Vhembe District Task Team apprehended 11 undocumented persons aged between 19 and 51, during disruptive operations across Tshilwavhusiku policing precinct between Friday, 31 January and the early hours of Saturday, 01 February 2025.
Three suspects aged 32 and 37 were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during a Vehicle Checkpoint (VCP) operation in Mookgophong town, in Naboomspruit policing area, under Waterberg District.
A 28-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties after he was found in possession of three CCTV cameras valued at approximately R4 000-00 along Mookgophong bridge next to the railway line.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the operational teams for their diligence and professionalism throughout the operations.
The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in the respective Magistrate’s Courts on Monday, 03 February 2025.
Limpopo Vala Umgodi Operation nets 23 suspects for illegal mining https://t.co/JwGNOATdnz#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Operation @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Wu1GJkYAmK
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 2, 2025
