The multidisciplinary Vala Umgodi operation conducted on January 21 and 22 resulted in the arrest of six suspects for illegally mining sand in Tambo Village in Dennilton and Hlogotlou.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said five suspects in Tambo Village were found loading sand into trucks using a TLB, and a suspect in Hlogotlou was found in possession of two shovels, which were seized by the police.

The intelligence-driven joint operation was supported by the South African National Defence Force.

Ledwaba highlighted that the operation also led to the arrest of several other offenders for illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act.

The six arrested suspects are expected to appear before their respective magistrate’s courts today (January 23).