17 suspects aged between 26 and 62, were arrested during successful intelligence-driven operation by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in the Secunda area on August 15.

During this operation, law enforcement members apprehended the illegal miners for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country. The suspects were apprehended and charged with various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, possession of gold bearing material, and possession of illegal mining equipment. Illicit mining equipment was confiscated.

The suspects appeared in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Monday and the case was postponed to August 20 and 21. The suspects remain in custody.

Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, a spokesperson for the police in Mpumalanga, said the operation highlights the police’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit mining.

“The detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects,” said Nonyane-Mpe.

The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the team for the exceptional efforts displayed in curbing illegal mining activities in the province through Operation Vala Umgodi.