15 suspects aged between 18 and 47 were arrested at Pilgrim’s Rest (Colombia and Gold reef city) on Friday, 11 April 2025 during the rolling out of Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.
Amongst the suspects, 14 were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, with four of the suspects also being charged for possession of gold bearing material. One South African national was charged for possession of gold bearing material.
Members from Combat and Proactive environments, as well as Phoenix Security, carried out this intelligence driven operation and were able to confiscate several items, including gas cylinders, gold bearing material, generators, jackhammer and other illegal mining equipment.
The suspects are expected to appear on Monday, 14 April 2025, at the Pilgrims Rest Periodical court, facing the said charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended members for the exceptional work done by the dedicated members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi continues to yield positive results by arresting undocumented illegal immigrants.
