In a major crackdown on illegal mining and related criminal activities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has conducted a successful operation resulting in the arrest of over 900 suspects, including almost 500 undocumented foreign nationals, over a six-week period.
The operation, which took place from 1 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, was part of the comprehensive High-Density Operation Kukula, also known as Shanela.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba announced on Friday that Operation Vala Umgodi has made significant progress in combating illegal mining activities across all five districts of the province.
“The operation, which specifically targets illegal mining activities, also addresses a wider range of criminal elements, including serious and violent crimes, contravention of immigration laws, possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, illicit cigarettes, and counterfeit goods,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
Seizures and Recoveries from Anti-Mining Operation
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated eight firearms and 40 rounds of ammunition. They also seized 14 vehicles, including two tipper trucks used in illegal mining operations. Additionally, gold-bearing minerals, chrome, and counterfeit goods worth thousands of rands were confiscated.
Criminal Charges and Activities
A total of 932 suspects were arrested, with 496 of them being undocumented foreign nationals. These individuals face a combined total of 912 charges, including illegal mining activities, possession of unlicensed firearms, illicit cigarette trading, drug-related offenses, and trafficking of counterfeit goods.
Many of the suspects were involved in illegal mining operations in various locations known for gold-bearing materials and chrome deposits across the province.
Demographics of Arrests
The arrests revealed a diverse group of suspects from various nationalities. Of the 932 arrests, Zimbabwean nationals accounted for the largest group with 325 arrests, followed by South African citizens with 269 arrests. Ethiopian nationals made up 155 arrests, while Mozambican and Malawian citizens numbered 98 and 46 respectively. Other nationals involved in the arrests included individuals from Nigeria, Somalia, India, Lesotho, Portugal, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and Ghana.
Leadership Response
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the operation and commended the dedication of all personnel involved. Hadebe emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating illegal mining in Limpopo and stated that decisive action will continue to be taken against unlawful activities and illicit mining in the province.
“Through proactive and partnership policing, we are confident that significant progress will be made in the fight against illegal mining,” Hadebe stated.
The provincial commissioner reiterated the importance of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining, emphasizing that such activities will not be tolerated in the province.
