The members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi continue to make an impact in Mpumalanga, and as a result, three suspects, aged between 27 and 33 were nabbed in the Sabie area on Friday, 11 July 2025.
According to a report, the combat and proactive members were conducting a disruptive operation at the said area. During the operation, the suspects were spotted allegedly engaged in illicit mining activities. It was during this time when they were apprehended. Some mining equipment were confiscated during this operation, and these included some shovels and picks.
The suspects were charged for illicit mining and for Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa, and they are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 July 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi remains adamant that the ongoing activities carried out through Operation Vala Umgodi is making an enormous impact in tackling illegal mining activities in the province.
