More than 30 illegal mining suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi in Gauteng

A multidisciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi resulted in the arrest of thirty-three (33) foreign nationals who also suspected to be illegal miners in Germiston and Primrose, Ekurhuleni on Wednesday 19 and Thursday, 20 March 2024.

The police recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during the operation. The team also dismantled illegal mining activities and seized the following tools used by the illegal miners:

05X Pendukas
05x shovels
01x pik
03x stamper
09x crush pots
25x white vinegar
08x salt
01x water pump
01x battery
02x drill machine
03x saws
02x hammer
01x spanner
27x bags of gold bearing soil

The integrated Operation Vala Umgodi, consisting of various law enforcement agencies that include South African Police Service and South African National Defence Force, is yielding positive results in Gauteng.