Thohoyandou: The persistent Operation Vala Umgodi conducted in the Vhembe District at Limpopo province apprehended eight (8) suspects aged between 29 and 41 for illegal mining of sand and contravention of immigration act on Thursday, 01 May 2025 in Thohoyandou Policing area.
According to South African Police Service, members activated a disruptive operation at Manamani Village in Dzingi River. A group of suspects were spotted busy mining at the identified site. Police tactically approached them, and the suspects were found mining without the permit, and also failed to produce valid passports. They were then apprehended for illegal mining and contravention of immigration act.
Police confiscated the following items:
* 6x spades
* 5x brick molds
* 3x wheelbarrows
* 2x pickaxes
* 2x pangas
* 2x handhoe
* 1x spade
* 1x rake
The arrested suspects will appear before the Thohoyandou Policing area soon. Police investigations are continuing.