Vala Umgodi deployees nab more than 100 suspected undocumented foreign nationals and confiscate illegal mining equipment

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West

POTCHEFSTROOM – An integrated “Vala Umgodi” operation conducted in Tlhatlaganyane village outside Rustenburg by various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) as well as Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental and Rustenburg ER24, resulted in the arrest of 141 suspected undocumented foreigners, mainly from Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The suspects were found and arrested at Tlhatlaganyane village illegal mining site. During the operation, the team confiscated the following items:

• 59 x Generators
• 46 x Jack Hammers
• Five Gas cylinders
• 49 x Wheel barrows
• 21 x Shovel
• 30 x Spades
• 13 x Pickaxes
• One Fork spade
• 27 x Hammers
• Four Saws
• One roll of extension cord
• Three Heater pumps
• One Cylinder pipe
• One Tools box
• Three x 1 litre grease cleaners
• Two Chisels.

All suspects are expected to appear in the Mankwe Magistrates’ Court Mogwase in on Monday, 29 April 2024, facing charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked the team for their commitment towards addressing illegal mining activities.

Ends

Enquiries:   
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
082   496 9642

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