SAPS strikes back: 1,733 arrested in massive illegal mining takedown

SAPS

Pretoria  – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining and associated crimes, with Operation Vala Umgodi leading to the arrest of 1,733 suspects nationwide in March 2025.

The suspects, including individuals of various nationalities, were apprehended for illegal mining-related offences and other serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and possession of suspected stolen property.

According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the operation, conducted across seven provinces, also targeted crimes not directly linked to illicit mining activities.

Law enforcement officers confiscated 29 unlicensed firearms, 246 rounds of ammunition, 57 vehicles — including sedans, bakkies, trucks, trailers, and excavators — and 439 pendukas, a tool commonly used in illegal mining.

Provincial Breakdown of Key Arrests and Seizures

Free State

Collaboration between SAPS and private security led to the arrest of a Kopanang Mine employee for smuggling contraband to illegal miners underground. The 33-year-old suspect was found with four bottles of whiskey hidden inside his rescue pack. Additionally, two illegal miners, aged 26 and 31, were arrested after resurfacing at Beatrix Mine Shaft 1.

Gauteng

On March 29, 2025, 55 suspects were arrested in an operation in the Soul City informal settlement in Kagiso. Police seized 155 pendukas, an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition.

KwaZulu-Natal

On March 16 and 17, 2025, officers arrested two suspects, aged between 27 and 33, in Esikhaleni for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The suspects were allegedly planning an armed robbery.

Limpopo

Authorities arrested 26 undocumented foreign nationals across different districts. In the Vhembe district, 21 individuals aged between 17 and 52 were detained for contravening the Immigration Act in the Beitbridge policing area. Another five illegal immigrants, aged between 18 and 55, were arrested in the Mopani and Capricorn districts.

Mpumalanga

On March 16, 2025, a 49-year-old suspect was arrested for money laundering and bribery after SAPS acted on a tip-off. Officers recovered R1.2 million in cash along with Mozambican currency hidden inside his home.

Northern Cape

Multi-disciplinary teams arrested 14 suspects for illegal mining, trespassing, and drug possession in Namakwa and Frances Baard districts during operations that began on March 24, 2025.

North West

In the Bojanala Platinum District, SAPS confiscated two excavators and additional illegal mining equipment abandoned at an illegal mining site in Bapong on March 20, 2025. Authorities also arrested 10 individuals in Rustenburg’s Geelhoutpark for contravening the Immigration Act.

Operation Vala Umgodi’s Impact

Since its launch, Operation Vala Umgodi has resulted in the arrest of over 20,000 suspects, the seizure of more than 600 firearms — including imitation firearms — and the recovery of over 14,000 rounds of ammunition.

Article written by