The police arrested nine suspects, aged between 18 and 33, in Elandshoek near Nelspruit and Mashoboto, Schoemanskloof informal settlement area on Thursday, 15 May 2025, during the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
Among the arrested suspects, seven were also charged with possession of illegal mining equipment.
The Combat and Proactive Policing Units conducted a disruptive operation and successfully confiscated several items, including generators, phendukas, steel balls, shovels, and other equipment commonly used in illegal mining activities.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, today, 16 May 2025, facing charges related to illegal immigration and illegal mining.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the team for the excellent work done under Operation Vala Umgodi
