Police arrest 13 more illegal miners in Mpumalanga
According to police, the suspects are all foreign nationals.
The South African Police Service (Saps) made an arrest on Sunday, 04 October 2026, seizing an additional 13 suspects involved in illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga. The operation, known as Operation Vala Umgodi, targeted the dangerous practice of illegal mining, which is detrimental to both the environment and local communities.
The suspects, all foreign nationals, were apprehended at Sabie. According to police, the 13 new detainees hail from Mozambique, with 12 males and one female. One suspect hails from the Kingdom of Eswatini. On Tuesday, 06 October 2026, these individuals are expected to appear at Sabie Magistrate’s Court, bringing the total number of arrested miners to 22 over the weekend.
The charges against the suspects include illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material, possession of gold-bearing equipment, and breaching the Immigration Act of South Africa. Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a police spokesperson, revealed that the suspects are currently under investigation by Operation Vala Umgodi, a multidisciplinary team that responded to intelligence leading to the arrest.
Police recovered mining tools and chemicals suspected to be used in the refining process of gold-bearing material during the operation. Provincial Commissioner of the Saps in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, emphasized the persistent commitment of the Saps to combat illegal mining. Modise noted that the arrests underscore their dedication and warned that their operations will continue in various locations, including Barberton, Sabie, and Pilgrim’s Rest.
Modise cautioned the public to avoid harboring illegal miners, highlighting the detrimental effects these activities have on the environment and residents' livelihoods.
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