Police officers deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Limpopo Province arrested twelve suspects aged between 18 and 49 for illegal mining activities, possession of suspected precious minerals, and contravention of immigration laws. The arrests took place in the Giyani and Malamulele policing areas on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
In the Giyani policing area, a 41-year-old male suspect was apprehended at an illegal mining site in Mavalani Village. He faces charges of illegal mining and possession of suspected precious minerals. Police confiscated a shovel, a head lamp, and a bag of suspected precious minerals during the arrest.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, eleven (11) suspects between the ages of 18 and 49 were detained in the Malamulele and Giyani policing areas after failing to produce valid passports during police stop-and-search duties.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear before their respective local Magistrate’s Courts soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and related crimes in the province.