Operation Vala Umgodi enables members to net 16 illegal immigrants

Operation Vala Umgodi, a sustained initiative to combat crime and illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga, continues to yield positive results. As a result, 16 suspects, aged between 18 and 50 were arrested by the members from Combat, Proactive, and SANDF as they conducted a disruptive operation at Sabie informational settlement and at Pilgrim’s Rest yesterday, Friday 21 March 2025 around 04:00.

The multidisciplinary team managed to apprehend 07 in Sabie and 09 in Pilgrim’s Rest, whilst two J534’s were issued for illicit liquor and illicit cigarettes

The confiscated illicit liquor consisted of various brands to the value of about R1687 as well as illicit cigarettes to the value of about R690.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court and Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court respectively on Monday, 24 March 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of the illicit items.