Operation Vala Umgodi cracks down on Boksburg illegal miners

In the latest blitz on the well-equipped illegal mining gangs in Boksburg, the Vala Umgodi operation teams nabbed 28 people in connection with illegal gold mining activities.

The teams, comprising members of the SAPS, EMPD, crime prevention wardens and other law-enforcement agencies, also confiscated illegal mining equipment and pounced on one person who was found in possession of drugs.
The teams descended on the illegal mining sites between Delmore and Angelo informal settlements last week, July 3.

According to police spokesperson, Captain Neldah Sekgobela, 29 suspects were detained at the Boksburg Police Station where they were processed for court appearance at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
Among the seized items were spades, hammers, pendukas, gas cylinders, stamping equipment, crush pots, a generator, gold-bearing material, steel balls and liquor.

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Police in the Ekurhuleni district said illegal mining operations remain steadfast in disrupting the levels of illegal mining in the district.
“The integrated operations continue to make strides in addressing illegal mining in the district,” said the police.

Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole applauded the team spirit shown by members in ensuring that the scourge of illegal mining is addressed. She also assured members of the affected communities that similar operations are in the pipeline in Ekurhuleni areas.
The recently launched national multidisciplinary high-density Operation Vala Umgodi was formed as part of the South African government’s efforts to destabilise the scourge of illicit mining across the country.
It has so far led to hundreds of arrests being made and seizure of dozens of mining equipment and weapons across the country and right here in Boksburg.

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