ELEVEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED DURING OPERATION VALA UMGODI IN WITBANK
According to police, proactive and combat teams intercepted the group while conducting routine checks. The suspects were charged with contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa and subsequently appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025.
EZOMPHAKATHI
NELSPRUIT – 16 AUGUST 2025 – Eleven undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested in Witbank during a police-led crime prevention initiative under Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects, aged between 18 and 38, were taken into custody on Thursday, 07 August 2025, during a stop-and-search operation conducted on the N4 road near a mall.
According to police, proactive and combat teams intercepted the group while conducting routine checks. The suspects were charged with contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa and subsequently appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025.
All eleven remain in custody and are expected to reappear in court on different dates between 08 and 27 September 2025. Investigators are working closely with officials from 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, commended the officers involved in the operation, praising their vigilance and commitment to maintaining law and order in the province.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to yield positive results in dealing with crime and illegal immigration. I am grateful for the excellent work done by the members deployed in this mission,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
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