The distinctive multidisciplinary team apprehended 34 suspects, aged between 18 and 68, during Operation Vala Umgodi at Majax informational Settlement at Pilgrim’s Rest on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.
The members from the Combat, Proactive team, Business Against Crime and Farm Watch cornered the suspects during an intelligence driven operation as they failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country. The suspects were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act while one of the suspects was arrested for possession of precious metals and another issued with a fine for selling counterfeit cigarettes.
Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
Meanwhile, during their arrest, the astute members seized illicit mining equipment at the scene, including phendukas, gas cylinders, mercury, generators, water pump, motors, and other illicit mining equipment.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has acknowledged with much appreciation the impact made by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi.
