Operation Vala Umgodi continues to produce positive results, with 36 suspects, aged 20 to 77, arrested during a disruptive operation at Brondal informal settlement near Nelspruit on 15 March 2025.

Details of the Operation

The combat and proactive policing team apprehended the suspects, 34 of whom are foreign nationals without valid documentation. They were charged under the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Several suspects face additional charges, including:

Fraud

Possession of illicit liquor

Possession of dagga

Police investigators are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the legal status of the arrested individuals.

Seized Items

During the operation, authorities confiscated:

Nine fraudulent South African identity documents and passports

Illicit liquor

Dagga weighing approximately 1.905 kg, valued at R5,000

Court Appearance & Police Commendation

The suspects are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 March 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised officers for their effective crime-fighting efforts and encouraged them to continue their outstanding work.