About 15 suspects, aged between 18 and 47, arrested at Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga, on the 28th March 2025, are expected to appear at the Pilgrims Rest Periodical court, on Monday, 14 April 2025.
The suspects, were charged with the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Four (4) of the (15)suspects were charged for the possession of gold bearing material.
Gas cylinders, gold bearing material, generators, a jackhammer and other illegal mining equipment, were confiscated during the operation.
Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, said work of Operation Vala Umgodi, continues to yield positive results.
Another 17 suspects aged between 19 and 42, were arrested in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on the 12 April 2025, for various crimes, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, possession of mercury as well as conspiracy to commit illicit mining.
Picture: SAPS