‘Vala Umgodi’ Teams arrest Zimbabweans during Operations

SUN CITY – The “Vala Umgodi” teams arrested 10 Zimbabwean foreign nationals for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) during separate operations conducted in Tlhatlaganyane village near Sun City outside Rustenburg and Klerksdorp.

In Tlhatlaganyane, seven suspects aged between 24 and 41, made their first appearance before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 June 2024, following their arrests on Saturday afternoon, 01 June 2024, during illegal mining operation. The suspects were arrested after failing to prove their legal status in the country.

During the operation, the police found abandoned equipment that included two generators, five water pumps, two jack hammers, shovels, three spades and wheelbarrows. The case was postponed until Thursday, 6 June 2024, for plea.

In Klerskdorp, three suspects, aged between 23 and 27 were also arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), by “Vala Umgodi” team on Monday, 3 June 2024, during a disruptive operation conducted at Wolwerand illegal mining site, near Klerksdorp. The team also discovered a production site and summoned Explosives Unit to destroy the chemical. Moreover, the members found various equipment used during illegal mining activities.

The equipment included jack hammers, six generators, two phendukas, two gas bottles, two phenduka motors, welding machine, eight electrical cables,10 steel rod, water pump, grinder and many others. The suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court today. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the “Vala Umgodi” teams for their efforts in the fight against illegal mining.