A team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi arrested 13 suspects, aged between 19 and 46, in Simile informal settlement at Sabie area on Saturday, 24 May 2025, during the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
The Combat and Proactive Policing Units conducted a disruptive operation and found abandoned illicit mining equipment, including phendukas, a water pump, and other equipment commonly used in illegal mining activities.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025, facing charges of contravention of Immigration Act.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the team for the excellent work done under Operation Vala Umgodi.