South African authorities have made significant strides in combating illegal mining through their ongoing Vala Umgodi operations, which led to the arrest of more than 1,700 suspects across the country in March 2025. These individuals were apprehended for illegal mining activities and other crimes, including murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and the possession of suspected stolen property.
Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk confirmed last week that the operations, which started in December 2023, have resulted in over 20,000 arrests to date. In addition, authorities have seized more than 600 firearms and 14,000 rounds of ammunition. During the March operations, authorities confiscated a range of illegal mining equipment, including 439 pendukas, 57 vehicles, and 29 unlicensed firearms, as well as 246 rounds of ammunition.
One of the notable operations took place in Gauteng’s Soul City informal settlement, Kagiso, where 55 suspects were arrested, and a significant amount of illegal mining equipment was seized. This included 155 pendukas, an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition.
In Mpumalanga, law enforcement acted on a tip-off to arrest a 49-year-old individual involved in money laundering and bribery. The suspect’s home yielded R1.2 million in cash, along with Mozambican currency, hidden inside the premises.
Vala Umgodi operations continued into April, with a number of arrests made across various locations. On 11 April, 15 suspects were detained at Pilgrim’s Rest for illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material. A day later, a joint operation in Barberton led to the arrest of 17 individuals for crimes ranging from illegal mining to conspiracy and possession of mercury.
In the Northern Cape’s Frances Baard District, six suspects were arrested on 12 April for illegal mining, while two others were apprehended for drug-related offenses during an operation at Kimberley’s Colville mine dumps.
The ongoing Vala Umgodi operations reflect the South African authorities’ commitment to curbing illegal mining activities and related crimes, with continued enforcement expected in the coming months.
