In a weeklong operation from 14 October to 20 October 2024, VALA UMGODI led to the arrest of 275 suspects of various nationalities. Among them, 47 suspects were arrested for illegal mining offenses, while the remainder faced charges related to murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and possession of suspected stolen property.
The majority of the arrests were made in the North West province, where 97 suspects were apprehended. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga also saw a significant number of arrests, with 46 and 44 suspects respectively.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of:
13 unlicensed firearms
337 rounds of ammunition
12 vehicles including sedans, bakkies, trucks, and trailers
Notable Successes
On 19 October 2024, a joint operation between the SAPS and SANDF led to the arrest of seven illegal miners in Kagiso and Selby. The suspects were found in possession of gold-bearing material and illegal mining equipment, including pendukas, gas cylinders, and crusher pots.
On 18 October 2024, five men involved in territorial feuds between KwaMusi and Onyango villages in Nongoma were arrested. The conflict between these villages has led to several murders.
On 17 October 2024, a 34-year-old foreign national was arrested in Ficksburg for contravening the Explosives Act. Authorities seized blasting cartridges, detonators, and other explosives.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
VALA UMGODI brings together a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, Hawks, SANDF, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Home Affairs, and SARS Customs. Operations are concentrated in the seven provinces hardest hit by illegal mining: Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and North West.
The task force continues to prevent and combat other serious crimes in these hotspot provinces, extending its focus beyond illegal mining to broader criminal activities affecting communities.
OPERATION VALA UMGODI remains a critical initiative in restoring order and safeguarding South Africa’s resources from exploitation.
