The Vala Umgodi Task Team, in a coordinated joint operation between the Mopani and Vhembe Districts, has successfully disrupted illegal mining operations at various hotspots in Limpopo. This follows a strategic and intensive operation carried out in the Giyani policing precinct under Mopani District on Sunday, 09 February 2025, leading to the arrest of three suspects involved in the processing of presumed gold-bearing materials.
At approximately 15:40, the team tactically surrounded a mining site during foot patrols and observed three illegal miners engaged in processing gold-bearing materials. Upon noticing the presence of the police, the suspects fled into nearby bushes, dispersing in different directions. Despite their attempts to escape, one suspect, a 34-year-old undocumented foreign national, was apprehended at the scene.
Further investigation led the team to Mphamphuli village, where they conducted a follow-up operation at a homestead suspected of processing precious minerals. Upon searching the location, the team arrested two South African citizens, aged 35 and 47, who were found in the act of processing presumed gold-bearing materials.
The operation resulted in the seizure of several items and tools associated with illegal mining, including spades, picks, bags containing presumed gold-bearing materials, pendukas, grinders, motors, generators, hammers, chisels, and electric cables, among others. In addition, an undisclosed amount of cash and a white Ford Ranger, believed to have been used to transport the illegal materials from the mining site to the homestead, was also confiscated.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the Vala Umgodi Task Team for their exemplary dedication and tactical expertise in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the province.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, on charges related to the illegal processing of gold-bearing materials. One of the suspects will also face charges for contravening the Immigration Act.
Vala Umgodi task team successfully disrupts illegal mining operations in Limpopo and arrested three suspects https://t.co/cOXx6qoG5X#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Operations @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ph9w4Hbxb6
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 10, 2025
