Operation Vala Umgodi strikes on 16 suspects
MARBLE HALL
The Limpopo Police’s Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted on Thursday 1 May 2025, has resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of a truck in a crackdown on illegal mining and illegal immigration offenses.
The operation targeted various districts in Limpopo, including Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, and Capricorn.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the suspects, aged between 19 and 65, were arrested for charges related to illegal mining and contravention of the immigration act.
“In the Sekhukhune District, the police arrested ten suspects, aged between 19 and 42, for contravention of the Immigration Act during operations conducted at the Marble Hall Policing area. Meanwhile, one illegal immigrant was arrested at Maake Policing area,” he said.
Ledwaba added that in Mopani District, a 32-year-old male suspect was arrested for loading sand without a mining permit.
“During the arrest, the police seized a truck, shovels, and a pickaxe. In Capricorn district, three suspects were nabbed for illegal sand mining at Tudumo River in Mogodi Village at Lebowakgomo Policing area. A truck and seven shovels were confiscated,” explained Ledwaba.
He said in another incident, which occurred at Waterberg District, the police members conducted a disruptive operation at Mahwelereng Tshamahansi Village where they noticed trucks busy loading sand.
“Upon approaching, a mining permit was not available. A 65-year-old suspect was arrested,” said Ledwaba.
He said the arrested suspects have started appearing before their local magistrate’s courts and police investigations are ongoing.
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