In a coordinated effort by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Operation Vala Umgodi has made significant strides in combatting illegal mining and various other criminal activities in Limpopo.
On Friday, February 9, 2024, authorities apprehended thirteen suspects across five districts, culminating in a major crackdown on illicit operations.
“The arrests, which included individuals involved in illegal mining, as well as offenders implicated in contravening immigration laws, possession of illicit cigarettes, kidnapping, assault, extortion, and violations of the road traffic act, represent a concerted effort to address multifaceted criminality in the region”, said Major General Jan Scheepers, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo.
“During the operation’s execution, law enforcement officers seized a substantial quantity of mining equipment, notably comprising Isuzu and TATA tipper trucks, along with shovels, picks, and digging bars utilized in the perpetration of illegal mining activities across various unauthorized sites”.
Reports indicate that the apprehended illegal miners were actively engaged in extracting various precious minerals and sand without the requisite mining permits and rights, underscoring the flagrant disregard for regulatory frameworks governing mining activities.
In addition to the mining equipment, authorities also confiscated significant quantities of illicit cigarettes, dagga, and illicit drugs, further disrupting criminal networks involved in illicit trade and substance abuse.
Major General Jan Scheepers, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, commended the collaborative approach adopted by the joint SAPS-SANDF teams, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in effectively addressing complex criminal challenges.
“The thirteen suspects are slated to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts on Monday, February 12, 2024, where they will face charges related to their alleged involvement in illegal mining and other criminal offenses”.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to gain momentum in its efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and combat a range of criminal activities, reaffirming the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of communities in Limpopo and beyond.