Multidisciplinary Vala Umgodi operation has conducted a series of successful operations resulting in the arrest of several individuals for various offenses, including contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal mining, and possession of illicit gold processing equipment.
The operations, which took place from Monday, 18 August 2025 to Tuesday, 19 August 2025 are part of the South African Police Service’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit mining activities in the region.
Monday, 18 August 2025: At approximately 17:30, members of Proactive VOC 2 conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the R30 road near the entrance of Welkom airport. A white Toyota Quantum was stopped and searched, leading to the arrest of seven undocumented individuals, aged between 25 and 36, for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Tuesday, 19 August 2025: At about 10:00, members of Operation Vala Umgodi, working with mine security in Virginia, surprised a 38-year-old male engaged in illegal mining activities on mine premises. The suspect was found in possession of gold-bearing material and illicit mining equipment and was arrested on the spot.
At approximately 12:30, during a disruptive operation around Thabong, operatives surprised a foreign national male near Moeletsi Hostel handling gas hose pipes in muddy water. The suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly arrested. At the scene, police seized a 200kg black oxygen cylinder, a 9kg silver gas cylinder, and various gas pipes and nozzles. The suspect was arrested for the possession of gold processing equipment.
Later, at approximately 15:00, members of the combat team, in collaboration with mine security, conducted a disruptive operation at an old shaft near Virginia. The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, aged between 32 and 59, for illegal mining, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of possible gold-bearing material, and gold processing equipment.
At 16:00, Operation Vala Umgodi members, acting on intelligence-led information, arrested two males, aged 32 and 44, in Welkom. The team discovered equipment suspected of being used to process gold.
The team proceeded to K10 informal settlement in Odendaalrus at 18:15, where a 33-year-old illegal foreign national was found in possession of gold processing equipment and a two-way radio. The suspect was promptly arrested.
All arrested individuals are expected to appear in local Magistrate’s Courts. The South African Police Service commends the dedication and swift action of its members and thanks the public and private security partners for their cooperation in the fight against crime.
