48 Suspects arrested as police continue with operation Vala Umgodi

GAUTENG – Police in Parktown arrested 48 illegal immigrants who are suspected to be involved in illegal mining during the Operation Vala Umgodi that was conducted in Crystal Park, Ekurhuleni District, on Monday, 22 July 2024. Four more suspects were arrested for crime that includes possession of illicit cigarettes. Operation Vala Umgodi is expected to continue in various parts of Gauteng.

During the operation, police confiscated the tools that are utilised for illegal mining, comprising of:

14 x pendukas
15 x stampers
2 x shovels
20 x steel pots
2 x generator
1 x 9kg gas bottle
21 x 1,25 Chibuku
7 x motors
1 x torch
1 x axe
16 x chains
5 x spades
1 x jammer
3 x electrical cord
180 x steel balls