Eight suspects arrested during Vala Umgodi Operations for illegal mining

Eight suspects, aged between 36 and 20, were arrested during the “Vala Umgodi” operations conducted in Mmakau and Sun City on Saturday, 14 July 2024. The team arrested six suspects at about 14:45 in Mmakau for possession of suspected stolen property, theft as well as Contravention of Section 49(10)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). During the arrest, 60 metres of copper cables with estimated street value of R500 000.00 were confiscated.

Later at about 18:45 in Sun City, two more suspects were arrested for Contravention of Section 49(10)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

The operations also resulted in the seizure of illegal mining equipment that included generators, electrical extension cords, a water pump, spades and a hammer.

The six suspects, Bernard Chauke (31), Veryson Chikangaise (23), James Thakaruse (24), Prince Mbeurie (36), Richard Ndlovu (34) and Prince Zhou (20) appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Courts yesterday and were remanded in custody until Wednesday, 24 July, whilst the other two Sun City suspects appeared before the Mankwe Magistrates’ Court.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and the confiscation of illegal mining equipment. He said Vala Umgodi operations will continue to address illegal mining activities in the North West.