Nationwide, VALA UMGODI operations led to the arrest of 369 suspects of different nationalities in the past week.
These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen property.
ALSO READ: FNB Stadium due for a make-over after PSL season
During a Vala Umgodi operation in the Northern Cape, 21 unpolished diamonds have been seized in Kleinsee on 15 April 2025 leading to the arrest of four suspects. Within days, the team seized 39 more unpolished diamonds and arrested five suspects on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth on 21 April 2025.
Other items seized during VALA UMGODI operations in the past week include: Five unlicensed firearms, 34 rounds of ammunition; 15 vehicles that include sedans, bakkies, trucks, and trailers.
Highlights of VALA UMGODI successes for the past week include:
Free State: The VALA UMGODI team in the Free State arrested 14 undocumented persons during illicit mining disruptive policing actions around Allenridge Rock Dam, Meloding Calaria Location and Rathaba Hostel areas. This led them to seize more than 400 kilograms of gold bearing material and illicit gold processing equipment.
Gauteng: On 19 April 2025 the team in Gauteng conducting carried out an intelligence driven operation at N12 informal settlement, Crystal park. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 illegal miners, various illegal mining equipment were seized that included phendukas and gas cylinders.
Limpopo: VALA UMGODI operations conducted in the province, resulted in the apprehension of ten suspects for charges of illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act, on Friday, 18 April 2025. Two of these suspects were nabbed for illegal processing of precious minerals in Giyani Policing area.
Mpumalanga: A total of 27 suspects were apprehended in Barberton during a VALA UMGODI operation on 20 April 2025. Amongst these suspects, one was found in possession of explosives and another one was found in possession of ammunition.
North West: OPERATION VALA UMGODI in North West, targeting illegal mining activities and other associated crimes, led to the arrest of 104 undocumented foreign nationals; a variety of illegal mining equipment were also seized. The suspects were nabbed between Thursday, 10 April 2025 to Tuesday, 16 April 2025 in the Bojanala sub-district 1 and 2 (Brits and Rustenburg areas).
While progress is being made, continued vigilance and action are necessary to completely disrupt illegal mining networks. Public cooperation is vital in this regard, and all South Africans are encouraged to report illegal mining activities.
admin 
Cece Smith 