The relentless efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi have yielded significant results this past week, with a total of 130 individuals, arrested in connection with illicit mining activities and related offenses across the Free State. The operation, a multi-disciplinary initiative, continues its mandate to combat illegal mining and restore law and order.
In a series of targeted interventions, Operation Vala Umgodi teams successfully apprehended 130 foreign immigrants directly involved in illicit mining operations in mining towns such as Welkom, Virginia, Vierfontein and Theunissen. These actions also led to the recovery of substantial quantities of gold-bearing material and equipment crucial to these illegal activities.
Among the week’s successes:
Two suspects were apprehended after being found in possession of falsified travel documents in Bronville, highlighting the broader criminal network associated with illegal mining.
A 45-year-old male was arrested upon resurfacing from an underground shaft at a mine near Theunissen, indicating direct involvement in underground illegal mining.
Two more males were arrested in possession of gold-bearing material, stamping the ongoing efforts to disrupt the illicit gold trade.
Gold bearing material was seized after suspects fled and left the illicit mining equipment. The equipment confiscated are phendukas, buckets, gas cylinders aswel as spades.
37 year old male was swiftly arrested by the operators after he robbed a hitch hiking male near Ventersburg on the N1.
Adding to the week’s impressive figures, Operation Vala Umgodi operators, in collaboration with various government departments, held a multi-disciplinary roadblock on the N1 national road near Ventersburg.
This strategic roadblock led to the arrest of 28 illegal immigrants 12 females and 16 males from various countries. These suspects are expected to appear before the Ventersburg Magistrate’s Court to face charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act.
The cumulative effect of these ongoing operations, including the arrests made on the N1, brings the total number of arrests for the week to 130.
Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to dismantling illegal mining syndicates, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, and safeguarding the country’s mineral resources. The operation continues.