Belfast: The South African Police Service has conducted a series of successful operations under the 'Vala Umgodi' initiative, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal goods and equipment across the Free State and into the North West town of Stillfontein. These operations highlight the SAPS's commitment to combating illegal mining, illicit trade, and cross-border crime.
According to South African Police Service, on Saturday, 23 August 2025, Vala Umgodi operators, working together with mine security, were called to a mine near Hennenman, where three male individuals, aged between 36 and 40, emerged from underground. The suspects were found in possession of antiretroviral (ARV) medication and mining equipment, indicating their involvement in illegal mining activities.
In related operations, four more illegal immigrants were arrested in Allanridge, Virginia, and Thabong. Also, on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at approximately 00:05, a 38-year-old African male and illegal immigrant was arrested at a store in Jerusalema, Thabong. The suspect was found in possession of illicit cigarettes, leading to his arrest for contravention of both the Immigration Act and the Tobacco Products Control Act.
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, at about 13:00, SAPS members conducted a disruptive operation in the Khuma location, Stilfontein. At a house in Ext 8, officers approached a 31-year-old male who was subsequently arrested after being found in possession of gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment. The suspect was also an illegal foreign national.
The operation continued in the Khuma section, where two more males, both 19 years old, were arrested. They were also found in possession of gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment.
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, at approximately 21:15, Vala Umgodi operational members engaged in a disruptive operation in Van Standensrus. Members on patrol near the border spotted two bakkies illegally crossing and loaded with sheep wool. Officers intercepted the vehicles and found large quantities of sheep wool. The 45-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger had a load valued at an estimated R25,000, while the 31-year-old driver of a Toyota Hilux had a load valued at approximately R15,000. Neither driver was able to produce receipts to verify ownership of the property. The two individuals will be processed by the Stock Theft Unit and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
The SAPS continues to urge community members to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining, illicit trade, and cross-border crime. Information can be reported anonymously to the SAPS Crime Stop.