Fifteen suspects were nabbed between Saturday, 11 May 2024 and Sunday, 12 May 2024 then charged for illegal mining related offences during Operation Vala Umgodi and their ages range between 18 and 51.
The joint operation was conducted at a certain farm outside Nelspruit by a multidisciplinary team consisting of SAPS members in conjunction with officials from the Department of Home Affairs.
During the sting operation that was carried out, a number of suspected gold bearing materials as well as some equipments believed to be used for illegal mining activities were confiscated by the astute members. These items include, 21 generators, electric motors, four jack hammers, and nine (09) phendukas and some shovels.
The arrested suspects were caught whilst reportedly busy operating in the area and the team also discovered many trenches that were dug. Some food items that were confiscated, are believed to be sold to suspected illegal miners so that, instead of traveling far to get food, they get these items nearer.
Amongst the arrested suspects, seven (07) are Mozambican nationals whilst three (03) are Zimbabwean nationals, one (01) from the Kingdom of Eswatini as well as four (04) South African citizens.
The arrested foreign nationals were also charged for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa after it was established that they were not in possession of valid documentation to be in the country.
It is expected of these suspects to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 May 2024 facing the said charges.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, emphasized that Operation Vala Umgodi continues to dismantle activities of illegal mining and so far in the province, more good results are coming and members should be applauded for their continuous efforts.
Joint operation leads to fifteen arrests for illegal mining related offences in Mpumalanga https://t.co/uc7iH40UrW#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ULx2CDhYKa
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 13, 2024
