EIGHT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED DURING OPERATION VALA UMGODI IN WITBANK
Detectives are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects.
EZOMPHAKATHI
NELSPRUIT – 18 AUGUST 2025 – Police members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi have arrested eight undocumented foreign nationals during a stop-and-search operation conducted along the N4 road near a mall in Witbank on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 34, were unable to produce valid documentation permitting them to remain in South Africa. They were charged with contravening the Immigration Act and are expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 August 2025.
Detectives are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and praised the ongoing efforts of the Operation Vala Umgodi team.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to deliver results in combating illegal activities that threaten the safety and stability of our communities. I commend our members for their dedication,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
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