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The arrests were carried out as part of a large-scale security operation aimed at tackling the surge in illicit mining, a growing concern in the region. Authorities say the illegal miners—often referred to locally as zama-zamas—were forced to emerge from underground after their operations were disrupted.
Many of those detained reportedly do not have valid documentation to be in the country, and some appear to be underage. Officials have indicated that the suspects may face charges under immigration laws, with court appearances expected soon.
This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding illegal mining, which is often driven by desperation and poverty. The operation forms part of a broader effort to restore safety and lawful control over South Africa’s mining areas.
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Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli
Free State Provincial Corporate Communication said the operations, which included joint efforts with mine security, focused on addressing the possession of illegal contraband, trespassing, and immigration offenses.
On 19 June 2025, a joint operation with mine security at a local mine in Vierfontein led to the arrest of four individuals. Two females were arrested for trespassing, and one male was apprehended for contravention of the Immigration Act. In a significant breakthrough, another male was arrested after an illegal firearm, suspected gold-bearing material, dagga, and components of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform were discovered locked in his locker.
In a separate incident on June 18, 2025, the “Vala Umgodi” reaction team, in collaboration with mine security, discovered a hole on the mine premises during special patrol duties. Upon scaling down into the hole, officers found packaged and sealed food destined for underground, along with explosive detonators. No arrests have been made in connection with this discovery, and investigations are ongoing.
On 18 June 2025 at about 18:00, while conducting patrols in Theunissen, the “Vala Umgodi” team discovered a resting or sleeping place utilized by illegal miners. Two males found at the location were arrested, food and items associated with illegal mining activities were seized.
Furthermore, on 17 June 2025, at approximately 17:15, the multi-disciplinary team arrested three males, aged 45 and 32, after they were found in possession of gold-bearing material in the mine premises at Theunissen.
These operations emphasizes the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of mining communities and protecting national resources. Further investigations are underway in all these cases, and more arrests are not ruled out.
The post MULTI-DISCIPLINARY “VALA UMGODI” OPERATION YIELDS MULTIPLE ARRESTS AND SEIZURES IN VIERFONTEIN AND THEUNISSEN appeared first on MDNtv.
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