A male suspect, aged 42, arrested for illegal mining of sand, during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo, Mopani District

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

POLOKWANE – A 42-year-old male suspect was arrested for illegal mining of sand and contravention of the Immigration Act during Operations Vala Umgodi in Limpopo conducted at Mopani District, on Tuesday, 04 March 2025, at Mulati illegal mining site, in Lestsitele policing precinct.

The members swiftly operationalised information which has led the team to the identified illegal mining site. A group of suspects were spotted busy mining sand, and when approached, they ran into different directions in the bushes.

One of the suspects, aged 42, was arrested after he failed to produce a permit to mine sand. He was without a passport to be in the country as he is a foreign national from Zimbabwe.   

During the arrest Police confiscated the following items:

• Cash amount of R350
• 1 x Cell phone: Mobicell, black in colour
• 1 x bag of sand
• 1 x Spade
• 1 x LED head lamp
• 1 x Iron bar
• 2 x Buckets
• 1 x Blue work suit top
• 02 x Batteries

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the members for working effortlessly in ensuring that the illegal mining activities are eliminated across the province.

He will soon appear before the local Magistrate’s Court.

Further Police investigations are continuing.

Vala Umgodi operations are underway.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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