Five undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during festive season operations in Graskop on December 17 for the alleged contravention of South Africa’s Immigration Act. Monica Vutete (32), Elias Qobotshane (18), Eddie Chauke (28), Rax Mongee (30) and Christopher Sithole (29) appeared in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court the following day and were remanded in custody.

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Investigators are working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the status of the suspects.

They are expected to appear again in the same court on December 22, 27 and 29.

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The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the ongoing work of Operation Vala Umgodi, adding that sustained efforts could eventually curb illegal mining activities.