Members of Operation Vala Umgodi have made another breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining, arresting two suspects on a farm in Barberton.
According to police reports, combat, proactive, and business against crime units conducted an intelligence-driven operation on Saturday, 17 May 2025, leading to the apprehension of two suspects aged 32 and 33. Authorities confiscated two metal detectors valued at approximately R750,000 during the raid.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 May 2025, facing charges of trespassing, conspiracy to commit illicit mining, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi, stating that the ongoing operations are significantly curbing illegal mining activities in the province.
“We remain confident that the relentless efforts of our members are making a substantial impact in dismantling illegal mining operations,” said Mkhwanazi.
The arrests underscore the continued commitment of law enforcement to tackle illicit mining, which has been a persistent challenge in Mpumalanga and other parts of the country.