Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga led to the arrest of nine suspects on 16 May 2025 in the Barberton area. Amongst the arrested suspects, seven were found to be undocumented foreign nationals whilst two were found in possession of precious metal.
Through Operation Vala Umgodi, the men and women in Blue remain committed to addressing illegal mining activities in the Mpumalanga province. During the stop and searches, operation was conducted by the team at the R38 road in Barberton. They stopped a vehicle x 5 BMW black in colour with Gauteng registration, and upon searching the vehicle, illicit mining equipment was found, including jackhammers, a block of precious metal, chisel and a bottle of mercury.
The suspects were nabbed, and the vehicle and the equipment found by the team were confiscated.
The suspects aged between 20 and 49 will appear at the Barberton Magistrate's Court on 19 May 2025, Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa and Possession of precious metal.
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.