Barberton: Eight suspects, aged between 21 and 63, were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Barberton area on Wednesday, 30 July 2025.
According to South African Police Service, members were conducting an operation in the said area. It was during this time when the team apprehended the eight suspects and charged them for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as they failed to provide valid documentation to be in the country. Some of the suspects were also charged for illegal possession of explosives and gold bearing material. During the operation, explosives and gold bearing material were confiscated.
The investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects. The suspects are expected to appear at Barberton Magistrate's Court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi appreciated the massive work done by the team members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.