Operation Vala Umgodi led to the arrest of four suspects for possession of gold bearing materials

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

NELSPRUIT – Operation Vala Umgodi, characterized of a multidisciplinary team assigned in Mpumalanga enabled these members to arrest four suspects, aged between 27 and 33 on Saturday, 08 February 2025 at Barberton after being found in possession of gold bearing materials as well as illegal mining equipment.

These members from Combat and Proactive environments conducted a disruptive operation at Verulam near Barberton and recovered a 13.6 kg’s of Gas Cylinder then proceeded to Sheba Siding Village for another disruptive operation and it was at this point where they apprehended the four suspects, found in possession of gold bearing materials, weighing at about 16.80 kg’s. During their arrest, the astute members also confiscated one Phenduka as well as two Phenduka Stands.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 February 2025 facing the said charges.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his gratitude to the members for their continuous commitment to Operation Vala Umgodi which has proven to have a massive impact on eradicating illegal mining activities in the province.
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