Mokopane: The ongoing Vala Umgodi operation targeting illegal miners in Waterberg District has led to the recovery of an abandoned vehicle and various items suspected to have been used in illegal mining activities. The operation took place on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at an illegal mining site in the Mokopane policing area.
According to South African Police Service, the Waterberg District Task Team Vala Umgodi confiscated an abandoned white Toyota Hilux and suspected illegal mining equipment during an intelligence-driven operation. The operation was conducted at one of the illegal mining sites in the Mokopane policing area.
While patrolling along the road leading to the mine, the team encountered a suspicious white bakkie. The vehicle attempted to evade the police, resulting in a chase along the R101, a road leading to Mokopane Town. The driver and passenger eventually abandoned the vehicle on the roadside and fled on foot.
Upon searching the abandoned vehicle, police discovered several items, including a shovel, winch, hammer, pick head, pick handle, headlight, pulling rope, and a black bag, in addition to the white Toyota Hilux bakkie. All items were confiscated by the authorities.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.