Seven suspected illegal miners arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi

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

PARKTOWN – Seven suspects aged between 19 and 26 years were arrested in Kagiso and Johannensburg for possession of gold bearing material yesterday, 19 October 2024 during Vala Umgodi operation.

The integrated operation between SAPS and SANDF is crime intelligence led and on the said date, the team followed up on information at Kagiso in Soul City informal settlement where they found five suspects busy mining illegally. A number of illegal mining equipment such as phendukas, gas cylinders, oxygen cylinders, spades, wheel barrow, steel stumpers, steel balls and crusher pots were seized together with bags of gold bearing material.

On a separate incident, the team proceeded to Selby Industrial in Johannesburg where they arrested two foreign national who were also found in possession of gold bearing material. The two will also be charged with contravention of the Immigration Act.

Vala Umgodi operations will continue to be conducted in affected areas in the province with the aim of disrupting and dismantling illegal mining activities. 
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