Since its inception, Operation Vala Umgodi has made significant strides in combating illegal mining and related crimes across the North West province. Through high-density, intelligence-driven operations, the task force has disrupted illicit activities, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of unrefined gold, gold-bearing material, drugs, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, and mining equipment.

In a recent week-long operation conducted from , the Vala Umgodi team arrested  involved in illegal mining across the . The arrests were made in multiple locations, including , which fall under the jurisdiction of the .

Of the ,  from . These individuals face charges of  as well as violations of . The remaining , charged solely with illegal mining.

Authorities also confiscated mining equipment, including:

All suspects are set to appear before the Mogwase, Brits, Tlhabane, and Rustenburg Magistrates’ Courts.

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