Two trucks and equipment confiscated following Operation Vala Umgodi in Limpopo

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE – The persistent operation Vala Umgodi conducted in the Limpopo province led to the arrest of 10 (ten) suspects aged between 20 and 42. The suspects were arrested separately for illegal mining and contravention of immigration act.

On Thursday, 17 April 2025, Police arrested four suspects aged between 26 and 42 for illegal mining at Mbekwana Village in the Letsitele Policing area. The suspects were found busy loading sand in a white Toyota Dump truck. They were arrested for illegal mining of sand after failing to produce a mining permit. Police confiscated a truck, shovels, and pickaxes.

In another incident, two suspects were arrested for contravention of immigration act at N’wamitwa Village in the Letsitele Policing area.

In Tshivhiliduli Village, at Siloam Policing area, a 41-year-old man was also arrested for illegal mining of sand. One white Hino truck was confiscated, including shovels and pickaxes during the arrest.

Meanwhile, three (03) suspects were apprehended for contravention of immigration act at the Waterpoort Policing area.

The suspects will soon appear before the local Magistrate’s Court.

The Police investigations are continuing.
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