PRETORIA – Nationwide Vala Umgodi ongoing operations continue to yield significant progress in the fight against illegal mining and related criminal activities in the country. This week, a coordinated series of operations conducted from 14 to 20 July 2025 led to the arrest of 243 suspects of different nationalities.
These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes that include, amongst others; murder, rape, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful passion of explosives, possession of unpolished diamond, possession of gold bearing material, contravention of Immigration Act and possession of stolen property.
In addition, police have taken a firm stance against illegal mining activities through the disposal of equipment seized during Operation Vala Umgodi in Mecklenburg, Limpopo province. Over a period of three days, from 15 to 17 July 2025, police destroyed a total of 289 jackhammers, 216 generators, and six water pumps, items that had been abandoned or confiscated from suspects involved in illegal mining operations.
Among various items seized during this week’s VALA UMGODI operations include:
14 unlicensed firearms;
530 rounds of ammunition;
vehicles that include 3 sedans, 1 bakkie, and 2 trucks;
Vala Umgodi operation’s successes were particularly evident in the following provinces:
FREE STATE: Members of Combat Team deployed for Vala Umgodi operation in Free State arrested three suspects, including two undocumented persons, for theft of copper cable and possession of unlicensed firearm. During the operation, the team discovered a 9mm pistol hidden under a seat of Opel Corsa bakkie. Preliminary investigations indicate that the stolen copper cables were taken from local mine premises. The suspects are facing multiple charges including failure to stop at the command of a peace officer, reckless and negligent driving, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of suspected stolen copper cable, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
GAUTENG: On 14 July 2025, members of Vala Umgodi task team in Gauteng executed a high-impact operation in Blyvooruitzicht near Carletonville, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects aged between 18 and 36 years for a range of serious offences. These included possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, illegal explosives, and being in possession of a stolen vehicle that had been hijacked in Lenasia South. During the operation, the team seized the following: firearms, ammunition, explosives including detonating cords, superpower blasting cartridges, Carmel connecter fuse and a grey Toyota Etios reported hijacked in Lenasia South.
LIMPOPO: On 14 July 2025, Mopani District Vala Umgodi Task Team successfully disrupted an illegal gold processing operation at Mavalani village, on the banks of Nsami River. The team tactically approached the suspected processing site and arrested two women who were actively engaged in illegal mining activities. During the operation, the police confiscated several items, including shovels, empty buckets, picks, and bags containing suspicious precious minerals believed to be gold, a scale, and a plastic basin.
MPUMALANGA: On 18 July 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi National Roving Team and members from K9 Unit apprehended 15 illegal immigrants during a stop-and-searches on the R38 Road in Low’s Creek area. They stopped a white VW Crafter with Mpumalanga registration numbers transporting 15 illegal immigrants and arrested them at the scene. During the operation, illicit mining equipment was confiscated, including a jack hammer, chisel, explosives as well as gold bearing material.
NORTHERN CAPE: On 19 July 2025, members of Operation Vala Umgodi, deployed in the Frances Baard District acting on a tip-off resulting in the arrest of two suspects aged between 23 and 31 years for drug dealing. While conducting disruptive operations at illegal mining hotspots in the Kimberley area, police received information about suspected drug dealing at a residence in Kagisho, Kimberley. The team swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to search the property. They discovered a substantial quantity of dagga, mandrax tablets, and an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds of drug sales.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to combat and dismantle illegal mining operations and its associated criminal activities as well as to ensure safety and security across provinces.
