On 24 May the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 13 individuals aged between 19 and 46 at the Simile informal settlement in Sabie, Mpumalanga, during a targeted operation under Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were found without valid documentation and are expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025, facing charges under the Immigration Act.

During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered and seized illicit mining equipment, including phendukas, water pumps, and other tools commonly associated with illegal mining activities. These items were found abandoned at the scene.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the efforts of the Operation Vala Umgodi team for their continued commitment to dismantling illegal mining operations in the region. Operation Vala Umgodi is a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and associated crimes. Since its inception in December 2023, the operation has led to the arrest of over 20,000 suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal mining equipment and contraband