Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations have led to the arrest of more than 1 700 suspects of various nationalities in March, who were apprehended for illegal mining-related offences and other crimes.

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said suspects were apprehended for illegal mining and other crimes including murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen property.

“Amongst some of the items seized during Vala Umgodi operations in March include 29 unlicensed firearms; 246 rounds of ammunition; 57 vehicles that include sedans, bakkies, trucks, trailers, and excavators and 439 pendukas. Since the inception in December 2023, more than 20 000 suspects have been arrested, while over 600 firearms and 14 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized through Vala Umgodi operations,” van Wyk said.

Vala Umgodi highlights from March include the arrest of 55 suspects during an operation in Soul City informal settlement, Kagiso, in Gauteng. Illegal mining equipment that included 155 pendukas as well as an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition, was also seized.

In Mpumalanga, members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi acted on a tip-off and arrested a 49-year-old suspect for money laundering and bribery. The team seized cash amounting to R1.2 million as well as Mozambican notes, found hidden inside his home.