Seven suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi are expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s court today on charges of the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, the seven were arrested in Sabie on Friday, 28 March 2025.
“The arrested suspects, aged between 18 and 67, were found to be undocumented foreign nationals,” said the police of the intelligence driven operation conducted by the proactive and combat team in collaboration with Phoenix Security.
During the operation, illegal mining equipment were confiscated, which included Phendukas, gas cylinders, motors, oxygen cylinders, and generators.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities.
Through Operation Vala Umgodi, the men and women in blue remain committed to working alongside other stakeholders to address illegal mining activities in the province.
