South Africa’s Cabinet has praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their continued efforts in combating illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi, a nationwide initiative that has led to over 18,000 arrests since its launch in December 2023.
The government commended the police for their extensive work, which included the arrest of approximately 1,700 illegal miners in Stilfontein starting in August 2024. During these operations, authorities seized a range of assets, including 458 firearms, 12,000 rounds of ammunition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles, and 84 large mining machines. In addition, R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million were confiscated.
These results highlight the success of Operation Vala Umgodi, a multi-faceted initiative designed to tackle the illegal mining industry that has been a growing concern in South Africa. The operation also targets other criminal activities linked to illicit mining, strengthening the country’s efforts to protect its vital mineral resources.
In addition to the arrests, Cabinet praised the work of law enforcement agencies and expressed support for the ongoing rollout of the operation across different regions of the country.
A significant part of the operation’s success came with the arrest of four police officers suspected of aiding the escape of Neo James Tsoaeli, also known as ‘Tiger’, a notorious figure in illegal mining. Cabinet stressed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards within the police force, emphasizing that law enforcement officials must be beyond reproach.
The government also called on the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that individuals involved in corrupt activities, particularly those aiding illegal mining, face the harshest penalties. The efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi are not only aimed at curbing illegal mining but also at addressing broader criminal activity, providing essential support to operational teams across the country.
