| 2025/04/18 |
|
Media Statement
POTCHEFSTROOM – The ongoing operation Vala Umgodi in North West, targeting illegal mining activities and other associated crimes, arrested one-hundred-and-four (104) undocumented foreign nationals, of which four is female, aged between 18 and 58, and confiscated a variety of equipment. The suspects were nabbed between Thursday, 10 April 2025 to Tuesday, 16 April 2025 in the Bojanala sub-district 1 and 2 (Brits and Rustenburg areas). They were all charged for the contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act and are currently being processed through various Magistrate’s courts, before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries. The suspects are believed to be from different countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and Lesotho. On Thursday morning, 10 April 2025, in Tlhatlhaganyane in Sun City, the Police arrested 20 suspects, 19 were found to be undocumented foreign nationals and one of the foreigners was additionally charged for being in possession of a dangerous weapon. Ali Hassan (24) was charged for contravention of section 38(1)(a) of the immigration Act 13 of 2002 for employing an undocumented person. He paid a fine of R1500-00. On Friday morning, 11 April 2025, in Marikana West, police arrested 13 more suspects for being illegal immigrants and Muhammed Monirul Hasan (31) was charged for contravention of section 38(1)(a) of the immigration Act 13 of 2002 for employing four (4) undocumented persons. He paid a fine of R6000.00. On Saturday morning, 12 April 2025, in Mogwase Zone 1, police arrested 17 more suspects for being illegal immigrants and one 36-yar-old male, who is a South African Citizen, was charged for being in possession of a dangerous weapon. On Sunday, 13 April 2025, the team returned to Marikana West and Ledig, close to Sun City, where 18 more suspects were arrested for being illegal immigrants. A 34-year-old male was charged, after he was caught driving a vehicle without a driver’s license and was given a R1000.00 fine. On Monday morning, 14 April 2025, 14 illegal immigrants were arrested in Masosobane section in Phokeng. Lastly, on Tuesday, 15 April on a farm in Skeerpoort at Hartbeespoortdam, more 23 illegal immigrants were arrested and Tshepo Kenny Maseko (37) was charged on three counts for the contravention of section 38(1) (a) of the immigration Act 13 of 2002 for employing an undocumented person in Brits. He paid a fine of R4500.00 The Vala Umgodi team confiscated more generators, water pumps, jack hammers, electrical cords, spades, pick-axes and batteries believed to be used in illegal mining activities.
The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.
Enquiries:
|
|
|
| Additional content: |
|
|
Friday, April 18
Trending
- Police make a breakthrough, a female suspect arrested for murder of her mother and uncle
- 104 Undocumented foreign nationals nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi in North West
- Mashatile hopeful talks to avoid VAT increase will yield good results – SABC News
- Motherwell police seek missing person
- Media Briefing On The Outcomes Of The Policing Summit 2025 By The National Commissioner Of The South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola (SOEG))
- Orlando Pirates and Sundowns hit with over R3 million in fines
- War Criminal Goes to South Africa: Zelenskyy might be Guilty of Numerous Deaths of Ukrainians
- Operation Paseka launched in Joe Gqabi District
104 Undocumented foreign nationals nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi in North West
