Four suspects were arrested on Friday, 16 May 2025, during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Capricorn and Mopani Districts for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
In the Capricorn District, a 31-year-old male suspect was apprehended at Tudumo River in Ga-Chuene Village under the Lebowakgomo policing area. Police officers conducting the operation raided an identified illegal mining site, where a group of suspects was found loading sand into a truck. Upon noticing the authorities, the suspects fled in different directions, but one was caught and arrested for illegal sand mining.
Authorities seized a white Nissan truck and six shovels at the scene.
Meanwhile, in the Mopani District, three suspects were arrested for violating the Immigration Act at N’wamitwa Village in the Letsitele policing area.
All four suspects are expected to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to crack down on illegal mining and related crimes in the province.
