Key Points:
- SAPS arrested 1,857 individuals in April 2025 under Operation Vala Umgodi.
- Illegal mining, explosives, stolen Eskom property, and unlicensed firearms were central to the operation’s successes.
- Since its launch in December 2023, the operation has led to over 20,000 arrests and major seizures.
Nationwide Arrests Under Operation Vala Umgodi
JOHANNESBURG — The South African Police Service (SAPS) made 1,857 arrests across the country during April 2025. These efforts form part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle illegal mining networks and other related crimes under Operation Vala Umgodi arrests 2025.
Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk, the SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that suspects of various nationalities faced charges. These included illegal mining, murder, attempted murder, possession of counterfeit goods, and unlawful possession of explosives.
Major Seizures Across Provinces
Police operations produced significant results. Officers confiscated 27 unlicensed firearms, 385 rounds of ammunition, and 71 vehicles. These included sedans, bakkies, trucks, trailers, tractors, and heavy mining equipment. They also recovered 341 phendukas and six phenduka stands.
In addition, SAPS officers recovered more than 100 unpolished and suspected diamond stones in Kleinzee and Port Nolloth. These recoveries took place during three operations. Consequently, they arrested 15 illegal miners in the Northern Cape.
Explosives and Eskom Theft Cases
Moreover, in the Free State, SAPS bomb disposal teams worked alongside a private security company. Together, they seized 290 detonators at the Kopanong mine. Illegal miners had allegedly abandoned the explosives during a retreat.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a separate intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects on April 6. SAPS recovered Eskom property valued at R1.5 million in the Empangeni and Mtunzini policing precincts. Authorities linked the suspects directly to the theft.
Meanwhile, in Limpopo, SAPS teams arrested 69 undocumented foreign nationals and illegal miners. These arrests occurred in the Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mopani, and Capricorn districts between April 12 and April 13.
Cumulative Results Since 2023
Since December 2023, SAPS has arrested more than 20,000 suspects through the operation. Officers have also seized over 600 firearms, including imitation weapons. Additionally, they recovered 14,000 rounds of ammunition.
Furthermore, the operation led to the recovery of uncut diamonds worth over R32 million. These milestones highlight how Operation Vala Umgodi arrests 2025 continues to strike at the core of criminal syndicates. SAPS believes that its growing intelligence capabilities and collaboration with partners have significantly boosted the campaign’s impact.
“This operation keeps disrupting organized crime and helps us protect South Africa’s natural resources,” van Wyk said. She emphasized that the momentum behind Operation Vala Umgodi arrests 2025 will continue building in the months ahead.
