Operation Vala Umgodi nets undocumented foreigners in Dennilton

DENNILTON

Eight suspects, aged between 23 and 40, were arrested in Dennilton on Monday 21 April 2025 in connection with contravention of Immigration Act.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested during the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi, which were conducted across Limpopo Province, aimed to disrupt illegal mining activities and related offences in the province.

Ledwaba said in Mankweng Policing area, the police seized an abandoned white Mitsubishi truck and equipment, such as shovels, pickaxe, and spotlight at Kgokong Village, within the Capricorn District.

“During the incident, the suspects noticed the police and fled the scene on foot, leaving behind the truck and other items. Meanwhile, in Waterberg District, the police also seized wheelbarrow, hammer, and chisel, amongst other items at one of the illegal mining sites at Mokopane Policing area,” explained Ledwaba.

Furthermore, Ledwaba said two suspects, aged 37 and 59, were arrested for illegal mining of sand at Thabampshe Village in Masemola Policing area outside Jane Furse.

“According to the information, the members were patrolling at the identified illegal mining sites at the area when they noticed two males busy loading sand utilizing a white tipper truck and a front loader truck. The suspects were approached and arrested. Both vehicles were then confiscated,” he said.

Ledwaba said the arrested suspects will soon appear before the Moutse Magistrate’s Court and other respective magistrate courts in the province.