Vala Umgodi operations actively disrupt illegal mining activities in Limpopo, as police arrest suspects and recovers abandoned items

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

POLOKWANE – Members of SAPS Vala Umgodi Operations in Limpopo arrested two suspects for illegal mining of sand and recovered abandoned illegal mining items at Capricorn and Vhembe Districts on Monday, 11 March 2025.

Police report indicates that two male suspects aged 37 and 40 were arrested after they were found mining sand illegally at one of the rivers at Lebowakgomo policing precinct. During the inception, two suspects failed to produce valid permits that authorise them to mine in the area.

In another illegal mining related incident, the Vala Umgodi Operation members, recovered a variety of items associated with illegal mining, abandoned at Tshivhadulu in Levubu and in Muraga Village Luvuvhu River, which falls under Thohoyandou policing area, in Vhembe District.

Items were confiscated as follows:

• 2x wheelbarrows,

• 3x hand hoe,

• 3x wood Handles,

• 3x spades,

• 5x brick mold,

• 2x panga,

• 4x cell phones.

The police investigations are ongoing.

Ends

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Lt Colonel Stephen Thakeng
082 585 4603

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