Since its inception, Operation Vala Umgodi has made significant strides in combating illegal mining and related crimes across the North West province. Through high-density, intelligence-driven operations, the task force has disrupted illicit activities, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of unrefined gold, gold-bearing material, drugs, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, and mining equipment.
In a recent week-long operation conducted from May 13 to 19, 2025, the Vala Umgodi team arrested 91 suspects involved in illegal mining across the Bojanala district. The arrests were made in multiple locations, including Kroondal, Geelhout Park, Rustenburg, Tlhabane, Skeerpoort, Moonooi, Hartbeespoort, Tlhatlaganyane, Ledig, and Mabele-A-Podi villages, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Sun City and Mogwase Police Stations.
Of the 91 suspects, 77 are undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. These individuals face charges of illegal mining as well as violations of Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act, 13 of 2002. The remaining 14 suspects are South Africans, charged solely with illegal mining.
Authorities also confiscated mining equipment, including:
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16 petrol/diesel generators
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Hammers and jackhammers
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Shovels
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Electric extension cords
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Grease pumps
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Self-made sifting devices (Pendukas)
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Steel balls
All suspects are set to appear before the Mogwase, Brits, Tlhabane, and Rustenburg Magistrates’ Courts.
