Multi-disciplinary teams participating in Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts have arrested a total of 34 suspects, aged between 18 and 64, for various offences including illegal mining and immigration-related violations.
On Thursday, 7 August 2025, proactive and combat teams conducted disruptive operations in illegal mining hot spots in Barkly West. Later that evening, the Vala Umgodi team in Namakwa conducted disruptive operations in the Kleinzee area, where three individuals were spotted mining illegally at a private mining site. They were arrested for illegal mining and for contravening South African immigration laws.
The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape, through Operation Vala Umgodi, remains committed to eradicating illegal mining and all forms of criminal activity in the province.
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Meanwhile, under the Vala Umgodi operations, the Free State police reported a string of successful, multidisciplinary operations that have resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illicit goods and equipment during the last week. SAPS said the relentless efforts of Proactive and Combat teams, working in close collaboration with private security and other law enforcement agencies, have significantly disrupted organised illicit mining and other criminal activities in the province.
These operations, which form a cornerstone of the Vala Umgodi campaign, have focused on illicit mining as a primary driver of crime.
The following are highlights of the week’s operations:
Illicit mining and Gold processing equipment seized in Thabong: On Friday, 8 August 2025, police acting on intelligence arrested a 57-year-old female at Moeletsi Hostel, in Thabong. She was found in possession of gold-bearing material and illicit mining equipment. Later that same day, Combat teams and mine security patrolling G Hostel, also in Thabong, arrested two foreign nationals, aged 29 and 42, for possession of suspected gold processing equipment and for being illegal immigrants.
Ammunition, drugs, and resisting arrest in Wepener: A disruptive operation by the Vala Umgodi proactive team in Wepener on 6 August 2025 resulted in the arrest of two illegal foreign nationals aged 46 and 19 years old. They were found to be in possession of live ammunition and drugs and also resisted arrest.
Illicit mining with an excavator intercepted near Odendaalsrus: On Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Combat team received information from mine security about an excavator operating illegally at an old gold sump near Odendaalsrus. The team, with security personnel, swiftly intercepted a Mercedes truck on the R30 road with the excavator loaded on a low bed. Four occupants, aged between 32 and 58, were arrested for trespassing, attempted theft of gold-bearing material, and illegal mining. Two water pumps, hoses, tools, and a plastic hose were also recovered.
Widespread disruptive operations lead to more arrests: Continuous disruptive operations were conducted in Ventersburg, Henneman, Dewetsdorp, and Bothaville. These actions resulted in the arrest of a total of 110 suspects for crimes including possession of gold-bearing material, trespassing, illicit mining, attempted theft of gold-bearing material, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Operations continue.