Multi-disciplinary approach Vala Umgodi working together with mine security, has carried out a number of proactive, intelligence-led operations around the province, leading to several arrests and the confiscation of illicit firearms, products, and mining equipment. illicit mining and other illicit activities have been greatly influenced by these efforts, which are centered on upsetting criminal enterprises.
On Sunday, 13 July 2025, at approximately 12:00, the Vala Umgodi proactive team, working in conjunction with combat, conducted a disruptive operation in Virginia. Acting on intelligence about five potentially armed suspects in a silver Nissan bakkie with GP registration numbers, officers quickly located and tactically approached the vehicle in town. During a search, a 9mm firearm was discovered hidden inside the bakkie’s tailgate. All five suspects, aged between 34 and 40, were immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Multidisciplinary and self-initiated operations yielded more successes. After responding to an intelligence-led investigation on Saturday, 12 July 2025, a team in Welkom arrested a foreign national who was found in possession of illegal cigarettes at his tuckshop in Power Road.
Later the same day in Thabong, a 27-year-old foreign national was arrested at a house in the 2010 location after being found with 27 crucibles, commonly used to melt precious metals.
In Wepener, ongoing disruptive operations yielded a significant success when a male suspect was arrested after being spotted in town. He was found in possession of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R2,000.
The proactive team, collaborating with mine security, also arrested three illegal foreign nationals, aged between 23 and 54, near mine premises in Theunissen. The operation extended to Vierfontein, where three illegal miners who resurfaced were found in possession of gold-bearing material.
On Friday, 11 July 2025, further gold processing equipment was uncovered at an illegal operation in Thabong G hostel. Members surprised a group of males who fled in different directions upon seeing the police approaching. Gas bottles and other processing equipment were seized from the site.
These ongoing multi-disciplinary operations have so far led to the arrest of more than 160 illegal foreign nationals in two weeks, involved in illicit mining activities across various Free State towns, including Thabong, Vierfontein, Theunissen, Virginia, Welkom, Bronville, Odendaalsrus, and Ventersburg.
SAPS remains committed to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of all communities.
