Operation Vala Umgodi results in 512 suspects arrested

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On 10 July 2025, the South African Police Service reported that they had arrested 512 suspects during Operation Vala Umgodi in the month of June.

“Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations continue to register commendable progress in the fight against illegal mining and related crimes,” said SAPS spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Vincent Mukhathi.

He said the suspects arrested were of different nationalities. While authorities arrested most for illegal mining, they charged others with attempted murder, theft of minerals, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms and possession of suspected stolen property.

SAPS SAYS OPERATION VALA UMGODI IS A NATIONAL FIGHT

“The month-long operations targeted illicit activities across multiple provinces, resulting in significant seizures of unpolished diamonds, gold bearing material, chrome, explosives and mining equipment,” said Mukhathi.

During the national operations, police seized 83 phendukas (a tool they use to grind gold), 36 generators and 1 TLB.

SAPS say they have arrested almost 28 000 suspects since the inception of Operation Vala Umgodi, in November 2023.

GAUTENG A HUB FOR ILLEGAL MINING ACCORDING TO JUNE STATS

Mukhathi said in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, the police arrested 22 suspects for illegal mining in the month of June. Officers found the suspects in possession of illegal mining equipment.

In a separate operation, in Kagiso, south of Johannesburg, police arrested 11 suspects. They were charged with illegal mining, illegal immigration and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“Vala Umgodi Operation is continuing to intensify its efforts to combat and dismantle illegal mining, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and protect the country’s mineral resources,” Mukhathi concluded.