As part of the police’s ongoing battles with illegal mining in the region, officers deployed as part of the Vala Umgodi initiative arrested five people on December 22.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdluli described the arrests as part of a ‘disruptive’ operation.

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“The operation involved members of the Combat, Pro-active, Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, Operational Support Team as well as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF),” he said.

“During the disruptive operation, five suspects, aged between 28 and 42, were apprehended for various offences, including illegal mining, contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa as well as for unlawful possession of equipment including that suspected to be used during illegal mining activities.”

The police officers also confiscated a variety of other items that included generators, a gas cylinder, gas regulator, gas piping as well as other equipment.

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“The suspects are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 23.”

#sapsMP [ILLEGAL MINING] As part of an ongoing effort to combat #IllegalMining activities in the area of Ehlanzeni, members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted a disruptive operation at Slaaihoek on the outskirts of Waterval Boven on Saturday, 21/12, resulting in the… pic.twitter.com/oNBqdlgZbd

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 22, 2024