Vala Umgodi operatives working together with mine security, continues to make significant strides in the fight against illicit mining and the proliferation of counterfeit goods, with successful multidisciplinary operations conducted in Odendaalsrus, Wepener, and Dewetsdorp.
In the early hours of Tuesday, 15 July 2025, at approximately 04:00, a multidisciplinary “Vala Umgodi” combat team, in collaboration with mine security, uncovered a clandestine mining operation near Odendaalsrus. While on patrol, the team surprised a group of males who fled in various directions upon seeing the police.
One 34-year-old suspect was apprehended. Upon his arrest, members confiscated two industrial water pumps, instrumental in the illicit operation. Further tracing and investigation led to the arrest of six additional suspects, aged between 22 and 52, all implicated in illicit mining activities.
In a separate incident on Monday, 14 July 2025, at about 15:30, “Vala Umgodi” Operation members, engaged in disruptive operations in Wepener, embarked on a self-initiated compliance inspection of tuckshops in the Dewetsdorp area.
Upon arrival at a local supermarket, members discovered a significant quantity of counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes. The alleged owner of the shop, a foreign national, was immediately arrested. More than 239 cartons of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated street value of R50, 000, were found cleverly hidden among the shelves.
All arrested suspects will appear in court soon to face charges related to illicit mining and dealing in counterfeit goods, respectively.
Investigations continue.
Vala Umgodi crack down on illicit mining and counterfeit goods in the Free Statehttps://t.co/spEGU6O1bo#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/MVMx62gcIK
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 15, 2025
