Vala Mgodi: Three illegal miners arrested, explosives recovered

Two Mozambican and one Lesotho national illegal miners were arrested on February 16 during Operation Vala Mgodi (Close the Holes) at the Van Ryn mining site.

The men were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and explosives.

The arrest was carried out by members of the SAPS District Vispol and the SANDF while conducting routine patrols around the site.

According to Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie, the illegal miners were found hiding inside a shallow hole.

“The Lesotho national was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, while one of the Mozambican suspects was found in possession of explosives. The third suspect was apprehended for contravening the Immigration Act,” said Skalkie.

The multi-disciplinary operation, spearheaded by the DMRE in collaboration with SAPS, SANDF, and security personnel, aims to dismantle and seal illegal mine shafts in Benoni.

The operation is set to continue until March 31.

In a separate incident on February 6, the Operation Vala Umgodi team recovered a large amount of explosives at a house in Daveyton after receiving a tip-off.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, upon arrival at the address, the police discovered explosive cables.

“When the owner of the house was asked where he got them, he said he had ordered them from a woman. The woman was called, and when she arrived, her vehicle was searched and police found more of the same explosives,” said Nevhuhulwi.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with possession of explosives.

All the suspects will appear in court soon.

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