Operation Vala Umgodi in Limpopo led to the arrest of seven suspects

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

POLOKWANE – Seven (07) suspects aged between 20 and 50 were arrested for illegal mining and contravention of immigration act following operations Vala Umgodi conducted at all the districts in the province. 

On 15 April 2024, a 24-year-old suspect was arrested for illegal mining of sand at Mvelaphanda Village in Dzondo River, at the Vuwani Policing area. The suspect was spotted busy mining illegally at the identified illegal mining site. Items such as wheelbarrow, brick mould, spades, and pickaxe were seized from the scene.

In another incident, abandoned items that included slasher, brick moulds, and spades were also confiscated at Haramukhuba Dambuwo Village in Luvuvhu River, at the Vuwani Policing area.

On 14 April 2025, Police confiscated eight (08) shovels at a river in Mamaolo, Ga-Mphahlele in Lebowakgomo Policing area. The incident occurred after the Police spotted a group of suspects busy digging sand. Upon approaching the suspects, they ran to different directions and left behind the said equipment. During another incident, on 2025-04-15, a male suspect aged 50 was arrested for illegal mining at one of the illegal mining sites at Bergenek Village, in the Westenburg Policing area.

Meanwhile, in Tzaneen and Lulekani policing areas, suspects aged between 20 and 47 were arrested for contravention of immigration act.

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

The Police investigations are ongoing.
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