Operation Vala Umgodi is still persistent to alleviate illegal mining activities around Limpopo

Members of Limpopo SAPS Vala Umgodi Operations continue to make impact as the members arrested three suspects aged between 40 and 49, at Bergenek illegal mining site, in Westenburg policing precinct, under Capricorn District. Whilst in Vhembe District, the Police confisticated abandoned illegal mining equipments. The incident occurred separately on Friday, 07 March 2025.

According to information, the Police apprehended two males and one female, who were found conducting illegal mining activities at Bergenek River, following an intelligence driven operation. The suspects were then arrested for illegal mining.

Meanwhile, in Vhembe District, the operational team recovered the abandoned equipment at Muchipusi Village in Malamulele Policing area.

The items are as follows:
* 3x self-made crushing machine (penduka)
* 188 x Crushing balls
* 2x Mapp gas (yellow)
* 2x bag of crushed stone sand
* 1x Panga
* 5x Hammers
* 1x spade
* 1x wheelbarrow
* 1x 10 liters bucket of sand.

All the items were confiscated and registered at the local police stations.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says “I am very proud of Vala Umgodi SAPS members as they continue to deal harshly on illegal mining and confiscating items used thereof within the Province and concluded by praising residents for reporting these illegal mining activities”.

The Police investigations are continuing.