NELSPRUIT – A total of 11 suspects, aged between 17 and 35, were arrested at Slaaihoek near Machardodorp during stop-and-searches by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi on Tuesday 09 September 2025.
During the exercise, dedicated law enforcement members apprehended the suspects who had no valid documentation to be in the country. The suspects were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Police to combat illegal mining. An undisclosed amount of cash was seized during the operation.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon.
The detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, is grateful to the team for the exceptional efforts displayed in curbing illegal mining activities in the province through Operation Vala Umgodi
