The astute members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga netted eight suspects on 25 May 2025, in the Barberton area. Amongst the arrested suspects, seven were found to be undocumented foreign nationals while amongst them four were also charged for possession of gold bearing material and one South African was charged for possession of dagga.
The suspects were arrested during the disruptive operation conducted by the team at the Barberton area. Illicit mining equipment was found, including gold bearing material.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 32, will appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on 26 May 2025, Contravention of the Immigration Act and Possession of gold bearing material.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities. The general further reassured the public that more achievements are expected as the operation is intensified.
