Operation Vala Umgodi has once again proven to be yielding positive results. This comes after 52 suspected illegal miners, aged between 18 and 56, were arrested by members of the SAPS during a 17-hour-sting operation which was carried out at Evander Mine Shaft-6 in Secunda area between yesterday, 24 April 2024 (06:00 am) and today, Thursday 25 April 2024 (11:00).
According to a report, a team consisting of various disciplines within the Police, in conjunction with a private company conducted an operation with the aim to deal with illegal mining activities within the province of Mpumalanga.
Members that were part of this intelligence driven operation consists of Mpumalanga Operation Vala Umgodi task team, Secunda Crime Intelligence, Secunda VisPol, Leslie Vispol, Evander SAPS, Bethal SAPS, and Emzinoni SAPS, as well as Stratcon Risk Security.
Amongst the 52 male suspects, 38 are facing charges in relation to illegal mining. During their arrest, the team also discovered that 46 of them did not have valid documentation to be in the country, hence they were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. In this regard, the investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs. All suspects were also charged for trespassing.
The astute members further discovered gold bearing material, which was confiscated as part of the investigation.
The 52 suspects are expected to appear at the Secunda Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile in a separate incident, members of the Police found an abandoned white VW Polo with suspected illegal mining equipment as well as groceries at a certain farm in Schoemanskloof near Mbombela on 25 April 2024. The vehicle is subject to investigation with regard to its owner.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised the team for the continuous hard work which has so far, resulted in the arrest of a number of suspects as well as the discovery of many items used in illegal mining activities.