999 SUSPECTS ARRESTED, 28 FIREARMS AND 787 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION SEIZED DURING NATIONWIDE VALA UMGODI OPERATIONS IN THE MONTH OF JULY 2025
PRETORIA- 16 August 2025, Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations executed to combat and dismantle illegal mining as well as associated criminal activities across the country led to the arrest of 999 suspects of different nationalities in the month of July 2025.
These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, theft of minerals, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearm, unlawful possession of gold, contravention of Immigration Act and possession of suspected stolen property.
The month-long operations targeted illicit activities across multiple provinces, with enforcement actions resulting in significant seizures of unpolished diamonds, gold bearing material, chrome, firearms, explosives, and mining equipment.
Furthermore, on 23 July 2025, members of the National Roving team and K9 Unit deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga arrested suspects aged between 20 and 36 years for illegal possession of explosives and gold bearing processing equipment, as well as gold bearing material worth R300 000. During the operation, the team seized illicit mining equipment, including gas cylinders, oxygen cylinders, explosives, gold bearing material, and other items.
SAPS members deployed in the seven provinces as part of OPERATION VALA UMGODI also prevent and combat crimes, which are not directly related to illicit mining activities.
Amongst some of the items seized during VALA UMGODI operations in July include:
▶️ 28 unlicensed firearms;
▶️ 787 rounds of ammunition;
▶️ 42 vehicles that include 11 sedans, 7 bakkies, 20 trucks, 1 minibus, and 3 TLBs
▶️ 220 pendukas
▶️57 generators
