FOUR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENTENCED FOLLOWING OPERATION VALA UMGODI ARRESTS
The individuals, aged between 20 and 28, were arrested on 25 July 2025 during a routine stop-and-search conducted by police along Karino Road as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration and enhancing community safety.
EZOMPHAKATHI
NELSPRUIT – 18 AUGUST 2025 – Four undocumented foreign nationals have been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act. The sentencing took place at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025.
The individuals, aged between 20 and 28, were arrested on 25 July 2025 during a routine stop-and-search conducted by police along Karino Road as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration and enhancing community safety.
The convicted persons have been identified as:
Atalia Feliciano Malule (28)
Anna Jaime (20)
Alex Ndlovu (23)
Valdo Nkuna (25)
Following the completion of their six-month prison terms, all four will be deported to their countries of origin.
Police confirmed that investigators worked closely with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the accused.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the court’s decision and applauded the efforts of officers involved in Operation Vala Umgodi.
“This sentence sends a strong message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated. I commend our members for their commitment and encourage them to continue their good work,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.