Operation Vala Umgodi continues to yield positive results, and this time around, members apprehended 38 suspects, aged between 19 and 54 during an intelligence driven operation conducted at Majax informational settlement in Pilgrim’s Rest on 29 May 2025.
The members from combat, proactive, security companies, and businesses against crime arrested 38 foreign nationals without valid documentation to be in South Africa. The suspects were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Police investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
Meanwhile, during their arrest, the astute members confiscated illicit mining equipment, including 43 phendukas, motors, generators, steel balls, and other illicit mining equipment believed to be used in illegal mining activities.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Periodical Court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, is impressed by the impact that Operation Vala Umgodi is making and encouraged members to continue with the good work.
