Pretoria: A total of 1,775 suspects from various nationalities were apprehended in May during the nationwide Vala Umgodi operations aimed at combating and preventing illegal mining. These operations resulted in arrests for illegal mining-related offenses and serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and possession of suspected stolen property.
According to South African Government News Agency, the South African Police Service (SAPS) members deployed in various provinces as part of Operation Vala Umgodi also focused on preventing and combating crime beyond illicit mining activities. During the operations in May, authorities seized a range of items, including 27 unlicensed firearms, 827 rounds of ammunition, 51 vehicles, and 380 pendukas, which are hand-powered cylindrical devices used in informal mining.
In the Free State, police officers attached to Vala Umgodi conducted operations at the Kudu Old Mine area on 14 May 2025, resulting in the arrest of two foreign nationals and the seizure of 59.40 kilograms of suspected gold-bearing material. In a separate incident at Merriespruit Crusher Plant, two more foreign nationals were arrested, and 56.80 kilograms of gold-bearing material were seized.
Gauteng witnessed an intelligence-driven operation at Shaft 9, Mogale Crusher mine, West village in Krugersdorp, on 8 May 2025, leading to the arrest of 102 suspects for illegal mining, illegal immigration, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The operation also resulted in the seizure of pendukas, steel balls, firearms, and ammunition.
In KwaZulu-Natal, two suspected cash-in-transit robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with the Vala Umgodi team in Wasbank, near Ladysmith, on 22 May 2025. The police acted on intelligence regarding suspects wanted for cash-in-transit robbery incidents in the region.
In Limpopo, Operation Vala Umgodi task teams arrested 230 suspects, including 30 individuals linked to illegal mining operations. Among those detained were 51 South Africans and 179 illegal immigrants, with 205 suspects deported to their countries of origin.
In Mpumalanga, on 3 May 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi members found four minors, aged between 12 and 16 years, underground during an operation targeting illegal mining at the Dukes old mineshaft in Pilgrim’s Rest. A 12-year-old boy was taken to a place of safety, while 14 adult suspects were arrested, including one charged with possession of explosives, dagga, and illegal mining equipment.
In the Northern Cape, Vala Umgodi members arrested two male suspects for possession of unpolished diamonds in Port Nolloth on 13 May 2025. The team intercepted a Ford bakkie allegedly transporting illegal miners and discovered a significant quantity of unpolished diamonds.
In the North West’s Bojanala district, 91 suspects of different nationalities were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal mining. Police also seized various tools and equipment used in mining activities.
Since the inception of Operation Vala Umgodi in December 2023, a total of 27,275 suspects have been arrested, and 697 firearms, including imitation firearms and 16,247 rounds of ammunition, have been seized. The operation is a government initiative aimed at combating illegal mining activities and safeguarding economic growth by addressing the root causes of illegal mining and enforcing the law.