NELSPRUIT – Operation Vala Umgodi continues to yield positive results, and this time around members apprehended 37 suspects aged between 20 and 48 during a disruptive operation conducted at Mashoboto informational settlement in Schoemanskloof near Nelspruit on 03 April 2025
The members from combat, proactive, and the SANDF arrested 37 suspects amongst them, 33 are undocumented foreign nationals without valid documentation to be in South Africa. Hence, they were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Some of these suspects are facing various charges, including possession of gold bearing material and possession of ammunition.
Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
Meanwhile, during their arrest, the astute members confiscated (15) generators (17) gold bearing materials (5) Jackhammers and other illicit mining equipment.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 04 April 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi is impressed by the impact that Operation Vala Umgodi is making and encouraged members to continue with the good work.
