Operation Vala Umgodi, a sustained initiative to combat crime and illegal mining activities in Limpopo province under the umbrella of multi-disciplinary High Density Operation Kukula commonly known as Shanela, has yielded significant results.

The team arrested a total of 932 suspects, with 496 undocumented foreign nationals across all five districts of the province during the period ranging from 01st December 2024 until the 12th January 2025.

The operation, which specifically focuses on illegal mining activities, also addresses a broader range of criminal elements, including serious and violent crimes, contravention of immigration laws, possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, illicit cigarettes, and counterfeit goods.

The operation’s successes include the recovery of eight (8) firearms and 40 rounds of ammunition, along with the confiscation of 14 vehicles, including two tipper trucks, used in illegal mining operations. The seized goods included gold-bearing minerals, chrome, and counterfeit goods worth thousands of rands.

The arrested suspects were involved in 912 charges, including illegal mining activities, possession of unlicensed firearms, illicit cigarette trade, drug related drugs, and trafficking of counterfeit goods. Notably, several suspects were linked to illegal mining activities operating in different parts of the province, including areas notorious for gold-bearing materials and chrome.

The breakdown of the 932 arrests in terms of nationalities is as follows:
South Africans: 269
Zimbabweans: 325
Ethiopians: 155
Mozambicans: 98
Malawians: 46
Nigerians: 5
Somalis: 6
Indians: 5
Lesotho: 5
Portuguese: 3
Pakistani: 8
Chinese: 2
Bangladesh: 1
Ghanaians: 4

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, is impressed with the successes achieved and commended all the role players for their exceptional performance displayed during the operations.

“Our unwavering commitment in combating illegal mining in Limpopo remains steadfast as we deploy resources and implement relevant strategies aimed at successfully tackling the scourge head-on. Through pro-active and partnership policing, we are confident that considerable gains will be achieved in the fight against illegal mining,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

“We will continue to deal decisively against the exploitative tools used for nefarious purposes, thus sending a clear message that unlawful activities and illicit mining will not be tolerated in the province,” added Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

Source