On Saturday, Vala Umgodi operators working together with mine security, were called to a mine near Hennenman, where three men emerged from underground.

“The suspects were found in possession of antiretroviral (ARV) medication and mining equipment, indicating their involvement in illegal mining activities,” said Free State police adding that four illegal foreign nationals were also arrested in Allanridge, Virginia and Thabong.

The operation continued in the Khuma section, where two more males, both 19 years old, were arrested. They were also found in possession of gold-bearing material and gold processing equipment.

On Thursday, 21 August 2025,  Vala Umgodi operational members engaged in a disruptive operation in Van Standensrus. Police on patrol near the border spotted two bakkies loaded with sheep wool.

“Officers intercepted the vehicles and found large quantities of sheep wool. The 45-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger had a load valued at an estimated R25000, while the 31-year-old driver of a Toyota Hilux had a load valued at approximately R15000.
“Neither driver was able to produce receipts to verify ownership of the property. The two individuals will be processed by the Stock Theft Unit and charged with possession of suspected stolen property,” said the police.

The police urged communities  to urge community members to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining, illicit trade, and cross-border crime. Information can be reported anonymously to the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

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The arrests were made for offences including bribery, possession of drugs, trespassing, possession of illicit cigarettes, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of gold-bearing material and illicit mining.

​On Sunday morning, Vala Umgodi operatives, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, swooped on Virginia and Meloding.

“During a search of a salon, a 32-year-old female, who is an illegal foreign national, was arrested. Two other individuals were also taken into custody after their documents were verified as fraudulent by Home Affairs personnel,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Monday.

​According to the police, the team proceeded to search sleeping quarters at the back of the complex. In three units occupied by undocumented foreign nationals, drugs, including mandrax, crystal meth and rock, with an estimated street value of R150 000, were discovered.

Three suspects, aged between 24 and 36, including two foreign nationals and one female, were arrested for possession of drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act.

​In a separate operation in Meloding, two undocumented foreign nationals were arrested after being found inside tuck shops. All seven suspects arrested in Virginia and Meloding face charges ranging from possession of drugs to contravention of the Immigration Act.

​“A proactive team was also deployed to a mine where three undocumented males were observed engaging in illicit mining activities. They were arrested and a quantity of what is believed to be gold-bearing material was seized.

​“Furthermore, on 16 August, two teams, VOC 1 and VOC 2 [Venue Operational Centre], conducted disruptive operations in Viljoenskroon and Hoopstad.

“These operations resulted in the arrest of 12 undocumented foreign nationals found at various tuck shops in the two towns. Additionally, a 45-year-old foreign national was arrested after being found in his tuck shop with illicit cigarettes,” the police said.

​Also on 16 August, a combat team on patrol in Ventersburg arrested a foreign national on the N1, who was looking for a hitch-hike to Cape Town. A second charge of corruption was added after he attempted to bribe the police with R500.

​In another operation on 16 August in Virginia, a team working in collaboration with mine security arrested three suspects, aged between 37 and 28 years. The suspects were found on mine premises engaged in illicit mining activities and were in possession of gold-bearing material and illegal gold processing equipment.

“The multi-disciplinary operations in Lejweleputswa and surrounding municipalities are ongoing. All suspects are expected to appear in their respective magistrates courts soon,” the police said.

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Limpopo: Illegal Mining Activity at Heritage Sites and Abandoned Shafts

On 2 July, the Capricorn and Waterberg District Vala Umgodi Task Team carried out targeted inspections at the Makapane Valley Heritage Site and the Eersteling Monument. At the first site, abandoned mining equipment was found and seized, although no suspects were present. Later, at around 14:00, the team responded to reports of active illegal mining at the Eersteling Monument. Five individuals were arrested at the scene while loading mining equipment. A small container concealing gold was found on one of the suspects. All five face charges related to illegal mining.

Earlier the same day, a separate team operating in Diphalé village conducted a raid at approximately 04:10 based on intelligence of illegal activity at an abandoned mineshaft. Three male suspects, aged 64, 28, and 29, were caught in the act and arrested. They face charges related to illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. Seized equipment included a generator, jackhammer, wheelbarrow, and shovel.

Mpumalanga: Repeated Raids in Pilgrim’s Rest Yield Immigration Arrests

In Pilgrim’s Rest, operations carried out on 2 and 3 July resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals for immigration-related offences. On 2 July, six foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 24, were arrested after being found at an old mine site without valid documentation. One suspect faces additional charges for resisting arrest and assaulting police officers. Officers seized various mining tools including picks, shovels, and generators.

A second operation on 3 July, involving the Combat team, Proactive team, and Phoenix Security Company, led to the arrest of another six undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 28. All suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court. Police are working with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the suspects’ legal status.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers involved for their continued efforts under Operation Vala Umgodi.

Free State: Firearms, Illicit Mining and Smuggling Operations Disrupted

In the early hours of 1 July, a Vala Umgodi Combat Team operating in Welkom conducted a targeted raid at G Hostel in Thabong, following intelligence reports. Two suspects were found in possession of a revolver hidden under a bed, while another three individuals in an adjacent room were discovered with a rifle concealed under a pillow. All five, aged between 27 and 29, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Later that day, police patrolling the area with drone assistance apprehended a 26-year-old male actively engaged in illegal mining near his residence. Gold-bearing material was found in his possession.

Authorities also reported that 87 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested in recent operations across mining areas in Welkom, Virginia, Vierfontein, and Theunissen. These individuals are facing charges including contravention of the Immigration Act, trespassing, illegal mining, and possession of suspected stolen goods.

On 2 July, in Wepener, a self-initiated operation led officers to a parked truck at a petrol station. Upon inspection, 44 boxes of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R150,000 were discovered. Two suspects, aged 50 and 34, were arrested for possession of suspected illicit goods. Officials from the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs confirmed the cigarettes were illegal.

Gauteng: Mining Equipment Seized During Springs Operation

On 30 June, the integrated Vala Umgodi team conducted an operation in Springs which resulted in the seizure of 18 phendukas, 110 steel balls, and one electric motor used in illegal mining activities. Officers also performed stop-and-search operations and searched seven premises, which resulted in several arrests.

Authorities have stated that these actions are part of sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and related crimes. Law enforcement agencies involved in Operation Vala Umgodi have reiterated their commitment to continued enforcement operations aimed at protecting mineral resources, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, and upholding public safety.

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Responding to a parliamentary question posed by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of Parliament (MP) Inkosi Cebekhulu, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu provided clarification regarding high-level arrests under Operation Vala Umgodi and international engagement on cross-border illegal mining.

High-Level Arrests Under Operation Vala Umgodi

Referring to the earlier reply on 30 December 2024, Mchunu confirmed that Operation Vala Umgodi is specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle illegal mining operations on the ground. The individuals typically apprehended through this operation are frontline operatives rather than senior figures within organised criminal networks.

Given the nature of the operation and its tactical focus, the arrest of financiers or kingpins, those operating behind the scenes and benefitting financially, is considered highly improbable. As such, no total number of high-level arrests under Operation Vala Umgodi can be reported at this stage.

Engagement with International Partners on Cross-Border Illegal Mining

The South African Police Service (SAPS), through the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), has actively engaged with both regional and international partners to address the cross-border dimensions of illegal mining.

Key efforts include:

• Bilateral Cooperation: In the Free State, the DPCI holds bi-monthly bilateral meetings with authorities in Lesotho and with other South African provinces sharing borders, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. These meetings aim to enhance cross-jurisdictional coordination on illegal mining issues.

• United Nations Engagement: The DPCI participates in structures and initiatives under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) focused on combatting illegal mining and the transnational trafficking of precious metals.

• Global Partnerships: The DPCI is currently involved in collaborative efforts with Switzerland and the United States, specifically targeting the international networks involved in illicit mineral trade.

• Regional Coordination via INTERPOL: Through INTERPOL, the DPCI engages with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the International Platinum Group Metals Association (IPA) to address cross-border syndicates and strengthen enforcement capacity.

In addition to these partnerships, the DPCI chairs the National Coordination and Strategic Management Team (NCSMT), which has developed the National Integrated Illegal Mining and Illicit Precious Metals Trafficking Strategy. This interdepartmental framework seeks to combat illegal mining holistically, involving entities such as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The DMRE is specifically responsible for closing derelict and ownerless mines, a critical measure in curbing opportunities for illegal mining and mitigating environmental damage.

The DPCI is currently overseeing eight registered projects and two major investigations targeting illegal mining syndicates. Furthermore, its draft Illegal Mining Strategy is in the final stages of consultation and will soon be presented to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster for approval.

Mchunu noted that while Operation Vala Umgodi has not yielded arrests of kingpins or financiers, broader inter-agency and international measures are being pursued to dismantle the complex networks behind illegal mining in South Africa.

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Garden Route District: Drug Busts and Firearm Seizures

In the Western Cape’s Garden Route District, sustained anti-crime efforts led to the arrest of 73 individuals for drug-related offences and the seizure of an unlicensed firearm. These operations ran from Friday 23 May to the morning of Sunday 25 May 2025 and targeted high-crime zones with a multi-unit police deployment.

Eight suspects were arrested for drug dealing, and a further 65 for possession. Arrests were concentrated in Knysna (24), George (11), Oudtshoorn (7), and Conville (7), with small quantities of mandrax, tik, and dagga confiscated.

In a targeted raid on 23 May, George Public Order Police executed search warrants at five suspected drug dens in Knysna. The operation yielded the arrest of five individuals, three women and two men aged 25 to 42, along with more drugs seized. All suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 26 May 2025.

Separately, at 20:30 on Saturday 24 May, Knysna police responded to a complaint in Bloemfontein near White Location. Upon hearing a firearm being cocked, officers pursued a suspect who dropped a pistol while fleeing. A 28-year-old man was arrested for unlawful firearm possession and remains in custody.

Western Cape police management praised the officers’ vigilance, stating the actions align with the province’s broader strategy to protect vulnerable communities and remove drugs and firearms from circulation.

Gauteng: Operation Shanela Nets 1,090 Arrests

In Gauteng, Operation Shanela continued its relentless pursuit of criminals with the arrest of over 1,090 suspects across the province. The weekend sweep, involving SAPS and various law enforcement agencies, focused on increasing police visibility, asserting state authority, and tackling serious crimes.

The operation began on the evening of Friday 23 May, with detectives arresting 732 wanted suspects for serious offences including murder, rape, armed robbery, and car hijacking. A second phase featured roadblocks targeting illegal goods, stolen vehicles, and drunk drivers, resulting in over 130 DUI arrests and 140 illegal immigrants detained.

In addition, compliance checks led to the closure of several liquor outlets found violating the Liquor Act.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, acknowledged the collaborative effort between agencies and community stakeholders, urging continued public support in fighting crime.

Northern Cape: 300 Arrests in Multi-District Blitz

In the Northern Cape, Operation Shanela extended its reach to all five districts, with 300 arrests made for crimes ranging from drug trafficking and illegal liquor trading to murder and assault. High-density operations were overseen by senior provincial leadership, with special focus on illicit mining in areas such as Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, and Koingnaas.

During the operations, 12,907 police actions were carried out. Over 6,100 individuals and 2,450 vehicles were stopped and searched. Notably, R330,000 worth of dagga was seized in Galeshewe, leading to the arrest of a female suspect.

Inspections also led to the shutdown of unlicensed liquor outlets and non-compliant businesses. Rural safety initiatives included farm visits and high-visibility patrols. SAPS also conducted outreach programmes such as “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” and career exhibitions aimed at improving public trust and encouraging youth engagement with law enforcement.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola thanked SAPS personnel and community stakeholders, calling for sustained police action and collaboration to ensure safer communities.

Limpopo: Foreign National Caught with Drugs Worth R20,000

In Polokwane, Limpopo, a 50-year-old foreign national was arrested on Sunday 25 May following an intelligence-led operation by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Acting on a tip-off, police tracked the suspect to a Polo Vivo at the Peter Mokaba Stadium parking lot.

A tactical takedown led to the discovery of crystal meth worth an estimated R20,000. The suspect has been charged with drug dealing and possession and is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025.

Mpumalanga: Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Operation Vala Umgodi, targeting illegal mining in Mpumalanga, netted 21 suspects across Barberton and Sabie on 24 and 25 May.

In Barberton, eight suspects were arrested, seven of whom were undocumented foreign nationals. Four were also charged with possession of gold-bearing material, while one South African was arrested for dagga possession. Mining tools and gold material were seized.

At Sabie’s Simile informal settlement, 13 suspects aged 19 to 46 were apprehended during a disruptive operation that uncovered abandoned mining equipment, including phendukas and water pumps.

All suspects are expected in court on Monday 26 May 2025 for charges including contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal possession of mining materials.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner, commended the arrests and reaffirmed SAPS’s commitment to dismantling illegal mining networks, warning that intensified operations would continue.

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In the Northern Cape, high-visibility raids and targeted operations by the multidisciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi task force resulted in five arrests for drug-related offences.

In Kakamas, officers raided three properties in the ZF Mgcawu District, seizing crystal meth, Mandrax tablets and dagga with a combined street value of R18,000. Three men, aged between 37 and 51, were arrested and charged with drug dealing. Meanwhile in Phuthanang, Frances Baard District, a 37-year-old suspect was nabbed following the discovery of drugs worth R42,000 and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. A separate arrest followed in Currey Street, Kimberley, where another individual was caught with illegal substances.

Traffic checkpoints in the Namakwa and Frances Baard areas also saw several individuals fined under the Road Traffic Management Act.

Separately, in Bloemfontein, a suspect linked to a fatal shooting was intercepted and arrested during a Vala Umgodi “way-lay” operation. A 34-year-old Bangladeshi shopkeeper was gunned down at the Best African Shop on Power Street on Saturday evening. The shooter, a 50-year-old Bangladeshi man, allegedly attempted to flee to KwaZulu-Natal but was stopped near Theunissen on the R30. He will appear in court shortly.

Over in Mpumalanga, SAPS continued its clampdown on illicit mining and immigration violations. On 18 May, seven individuals aged 19 to 42 were arrested in Witbank for contravening the Immigration Act after failing to produce valid documents during a routine stop-and-search on the N4 old Pretoria Road.

In a separate sweep in Sabie, six suspects aged 21 to 58 were arrested after officers discovered abandoned illicit mining equipment and dagga worth over R2,000 at Simile informal settlement.

In Limpopo, officers arrested 16 suspects in two separate operations between 16 and 17 May. In Giyani, one individual was caught red-handed at an illegal mining site with a bag of suspected precious minerals, a headlamp, and a shovel. Eleven more were arrested in Malamulele and Giyani for immigration offences. Additionally, in Ga-Chuene Village, Capricorn District, a man was arrested for illegal sand mining after a group attempted to flee a site when officers arrived. A white Nissan truck and six shovels were confiscated. Three further arrests followed in N’wamitwa Village, Mopani District, for immigration-related offences.

According to SAPS leadership across the affected provinces, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to deliver results in its mandate to disrupt criminal networks, specifically within and around mining communities. Whether this momentum can be sustained or expanded remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear the authorities are making their presence felt.

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“These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of counterfeit goods,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Tuesday.

“More than 100 unpolished diamonds were seized during three separate Vala Umgodi operations in and around the areas of Kleinzee and Port Nolloth and Northern Cape leading to the arrest of 15 illegal miners,” the police said.

Other items seized during Vala Umgodi operations in April 2025 include:

• 27 unlicensed firearms,
• 385 rounds of ammunition,
• 71 vehicles that include sedans, bakkies, trucks, big mining machineries, trailers, and tractors,
• 341 phendukas and 6 phenduka stands.

In the same month in the Free State, the SAPS’ Bomb Disposal and Explosive Experts, with the support of a private security company, seized 290 detonators. These explosives were allegedly left abandoned by illegal unground miners at Kopanong mine.

On 21 April 2025 in Gauteng, an intelligence-driven operation in Primrose and Rietvlei, resulted in the arrest of 10 illegal miners. In Primrose, a joint operation at Marathon/Rasta informal settlement led to the arrest of eight individuals found in possession of various equipment that include phendukas, steel balls, gas cylinders, and generators. Two of these suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence driven operation by members who are deployed to Operation Vala Umgodi in the province led to the arrest of five suspects. They were found in possession of R1.5 million worth of Eskom property in the vicinity of Empangeni and Mtunzini policing precincts on 06 April 2025.

A Vala Umgodi operation in Limpopo led to the arrest of 69 illegal miners and undocumented foreign nationals in and around Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mopani, and Capricorn Districts between Saturday, 12 April 2025 and Sunday, 13 April 2025. Various illegal mining equipment were also seized.

On 26 April 2025, the Vala Umgodi team deployed in Mpumalanga arrested 38 suspects during a disruptive operation carried out at Simile informal settlement in Sabie and at Skoonplaas informal settlement in Pilgrims Rest.

In the North West, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates’ Courts on 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

These suspects were apprehended during Vala Umgodi operations executed on Wednesday, 23 April 2025 and Thursday, 24 April 2025, in Witrandjie village near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits respectively.

Out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court and sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000 wholly suspended. The court also ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin. The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts.

Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s response to prevent and combat illegal mining activities in the country.

Since its inception in December 2023, more than 20 000 suspects have been arrested while over 600 firearms, that include imitation firearms (toy guns) and 14 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized through Vala Umgodi operations

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The SAPS outlined its comprehensive approach, combining intelligence-driven policing with proactive operational strategies. The identification and removal of illegal miners from affected areas, alongside the confiscation of mining equipment and disruption of criminal networks, have been key pillars of the response. By tackling issues such as corruption, collusion, and illicit financial flows that sustain these operations, authorities have struck at the very core of the illegal mining economy.

Communities once plagued by the dangers and violence associated with illegal mining have reported noticeable improvements in safety and public order. Residents have expressed appreciation for the increased police presence and the tangible results of enforcement actions. Business owners and legitimate mining entities have also welcomed the move, noting the contribution to economic stability and the protection of South Africa’s critical mining sector.

Operation Vala Umgodi, the national framework driving much of this success, has also gained widespread attention through social and mainstream media, strengthening public engagement and support for continued efforts against illegal mining.

Turning specifically to Stilfontein, the SAPS confirmed that between June 2024 and February 2025, significant deployments were made to the area in response to escalating illegal mining activities. A total of 72 officers were initially deployed between 12 June and 31 August 2024. This was followed by 81 officers deployed between 5 August and 30 November 2024. From 30 November 2024 to 28 February 2025, 89 officers were deployed, with a further 103 officers called up during the peak period between 30 November and 20 December 2024. These deployments underscore the seriousness with which authorities treated the situation.

The financial cost of the operation has been substantial. Overtime payments to officers alone amounted to R8,857,763.37 between 12 June 2024 and 31 January 2025. The overall cost of the operation in Stilfontein reached R36,727,494.38, reflecting the scale of the resources and commitment involved in restoring law and order to the affected region.

Since the commencement of Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, a total of 1,916 illegal miners have been arrested. The charges brought against those arrested have varied, including illegal mining, illegal immigration, possession of gold-bearing material, and the unlawful possession of explosives. These charges reflect the serious nature of the criminal activities uncovered during the operations.

Addressing questions regarding rescue operations involving trapped illegal miners, the SAPS confirmed that it did not bear the financial responsibility for these efforts. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, which oversees mining safety and rehabilitation, is the designated authority for rescue operations in mining contexts.

The progress achieved by SAPS has not occurred in isolation. A broad coalition of government departments, law enforcement agencies, private sector players, and local communities has been essential in tackling the crisis. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has been pivotal in dismantling organised criminal networks linked to illegal mining, while the Department of Home Affairs has addressed immigration violations associated with arrested individuals. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has continued to regulate the sector and assist in the rehabilitation of mining sites. In parallel, the Border Management Authority and the South African National Defence Force have played critical roles in strengthening border controls to disrupt the cross-border movement of illegal miners and smuggled equipment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has ensured that quality prosecutions follow successful arrests, reinforcing the legal consequences for those involved in illegal mining and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. The involvement of legal mining companies and private businesses, who have provided information and support to law enforcement, has also been critical. Local communities have been active partners, reporting illegal activities, participating in public awareness campaigns, and helping to foster safer, more resilient environments.

Media organisations have amplified the achievements of SAPS and their partners, ensuring that successes are widely known and that communities are encouraged to support continued enforcement efforts. The widespread coverage of Operation Vala Umgodi has helped create a powerful narrative of resilience, community action, and national resolve against the threat of illegal mining.

While authorities are justifiably proud of the progress made, they stress that the work is far from over. Maintaining the current momentum will require sustained investment in policing resources, continued collaboration across sectors, and deepening engagement with affected communities. Only through collective and sustained action, SAPS warns, can the scourge of illegal mining be eradicated and long-term security, environmental rehabilitation, and economic growth be assured.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) highlighted the invaluable role of K9 units in supporting these operations. With their exceptional sense of smell and acute hearing, SAPS K9 dogs played a crucial role in detecting explosives and narcotics, often in high-risk environments where human officers faced potential danger.

SAPS K9 handlers underwent extensive training to develop the expertise needed to care for and work alongside their canine partners. Wearing the dog handler’s badge with pride, these officers exemplified dedication and discipline in their service.

Among the trusted K9s assisting in Operation Vala Umgodi were Oubaas, Ziva, Lady, and Boby, who worked tirelessly alongside their handlers—Warrant Officer Nkwinika, Sergeant Shivuri, Sergeant Mmakola, and Sergeant Mashinini—to uncover illegal explosives and narcotics.

These K9 teams formed part of the Mission Area Joint Operational Centre (MAJOC) roving unit, acting as force multipliers in support of Tactical Joint Operational Centres (TACJOC) in provinces affected by illegal mining.

By that time, Operation Vala Umgodi had resulted in the arrest of more than 18,000 suspects, the majority of whom were illegal foreign nationals. Law enforcement had also seized 458 illegal firearms, over 12,000 rounds of ammunition, and illicit goods, including drugs, explosives, trucks, vehicles, and uncut diamonds valued at over R32 million.

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Tiger allegedly escaped from the police custody in mid-January, after resurfacing from the mine shaft 11 at Stilfontein, in the North West.

The arrest of four police officers follows extensive investigations and tracing operations to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.

In a statement issued on Saturday, committee chairperson, Freddy Sonakile, commended the arrest of four police officers.

While noting the arrest as a step in the right direction, Sonakile warned this is far from enough to ensure full accountability and justice.

“The committee requests the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to argue for the harshest possible sentence against these officers to set a strong precedent and deter further misconduct within law enforcement. Additionally, to explore additional charges beyond defeating the ends of justice, ensuring that the officers face the full might of the law for their role in this criminal act.

“Furthermore, internal disciplinary proceedings must be expedited to ensure that these officers are swiftly removed from the police service. If found guilty, they must face the strongest possible sanctions, as law enforcement cannot afford to retain individuals who actively undermine the justice system, and enable organised crime,” Sonakile said.

Sonakile added that the arrests of the officers, do not resolve the larger issue, as Tiger remains at large.

“Until he is recaptured and held accountable, the core of this crisis remains unresolved. The committee demands full transparency from law enforcement on the ongoing search efforts and expects a clear strategy to ensure his swift arrest.

“It is deeply troubling that at a time when Operation Vala Umgodi is making strides in combating illegal mining, corrupt elements within the police force are actively working against these efforts” Sonakile said.

He said the committee remains resolute in its plan to convene all key stakeholders to address the systemic failures exposed by this Stilfontein saga—including the influx of undocumented foreign nationals, weak intelligence operations, and the failure to enforce proper mine closure regulations.

“The North West cannot afford a compromised police force that enables criminals to operate with impunity. The committee will continue to push for greater police accountability, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all those involved in this criminal network,” Sonakile said.

Briefing the media on Sunday, National Commissioner of South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said the arrested police have been removed from Operation Vala Umgodi, and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway.

Masemola announced that more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein are still in police custody.

He said 121 illegal miners, including 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, as well as one Congolese and Malawian, have already been deported.

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