SEVENTEEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED DURING OPERATION VALA UMGODI IN SECUNDA
The arrests form part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a nationwide initiative aimed at clamping down on illegal mining, immigration violations, and related crimes.
EZOMPHAKATHI
NELSPRUIT – 18 AUGUST 2025 – Police in Mpumalanga have arrested 17 suspects during an intelligence-driven operation targeting illegal mining activities at the Secunda mining site on Friday, 15 August 2025.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 62, were apprehended after failing to produce valid documentation authorising them to be in South Africa. They now face charges including contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of gold-bearing material, and possession of illegal mining equipment. Several items of illicit mining equipment were also confiscated during the operation.
The arrests form part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a nationwide initiative aimed at clamping down on illegal mining, immigration violations, and related crimes.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 August 2025. Detectives are also working with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the immigration status of those arrested.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the members involved for their dedication.
“This successful operation is proof of our commitment to curbing illegal mining and its associated crimes. I thank the teams deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi for their exceptional work in protecting our province,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
Picture: For illustration purposes ONLY!