Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations remain resolute in its efforts to combat #IllegalMining and related crimes, which led to the arrest of 215 suspects of different nationalities from 18 to 24 August 2025.
These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms, illegal possession of gold bearing material, illegal possession of precious metals, possession of gold processing equipment and contravention of Immigration Act.
In addition, members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi secured yet another effective jail sentence for the two Mozambican nationals. On 20 August 2025, the Polokwane Regional Court has sentenced a 28-year-old Adam Sithole and 22-year-old Musa Mlambo to ten (10) years direct imprisonment each, after they were convicted on charges relating to unlawful mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Amongst some of the items seized during VALA UMGODI operations over the past week include: 2 unlicensed firearms and 3 vehicles that include 2 bakkies and 1 truck.
Operation Vala Umgodi is a testament to the government’s commitment to combating these criminal networks and protecting the country’s mineral resources. Follow link for highlights.
#FightingCrime
