In a breakthrough under Operation Vala Umgodi, Limpopo police have arrested 33 undocumented foreign nationals and three illegal miners, delivering a significant blow to illegal mining and immigration violations in the region.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba stated that the operations, conducted between March 21 and 22, were a joint effort between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), resulting in the arrest of suspects aged 38 to 57 in the Mankweng and Giyani policing areas.
Mashaba reported that SAPS and SANDF members patrolled the province, identifying illegal mining sites and conducting stop-and-search operations. One of the three suspects arrested for illegal mining was found extracting sand at Segwai River.
“During these operations, three suspects were arrested separately on Friday, 21 March 2025, for illegal mining activities. In Capricorn District, a 57-year-old man was arrested for illegal mining of sand at Segwai River, Ga-Mothapo Village, in Mankweng policing area.”
In a separate incident, Mashaba reported that officers arrested two female suspects for illegally processing precious minerals at Nsami River in Mavalani Village.
“Two female suspects aged 38 and 52 were arrested for illegal processing of precious minerals at Nsami River in Mavalani Village. The suspects were spotted busy mining, and upon being tactically approached, they failed to produce a valid mining permit. An additional charge of contravention of the immigration act was added against the 38-year-old suspect,” he added.
Mashaba also added that a variety of items, including shovels and picks, were confiscated during the arrests.
The suspects are set to appear before the local Magistrate's Court soon, and police investigations are ongoing.
The Star