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Police arrested 38 undocumented suspects in Pilgrim’s Rest during a raid on an illegal mining site, confiscating large quantities of illicit mining equipment.
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The operation is part of the ongoing anti-illegal mining campaign, Operation Vala Umgodi, and involves collaboration with Home Affairs.
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Authorities are verifying the identities of the suspects and expect more arrests as investigations continue.
A major operation targeting illegal mining in Mpumalanga has led to the arrest of 38 individuals at the Majax informal settlement in Pilgrim’s Rest, police confirmed on Thursday.
The suspects, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, were apprehended in a coordinated raid by the South African Police Service (SAPS), assisted by the Department of Home Affairs.
“Police investigators are working closely with Home Affairs officials to confirm the legal status of the suspects,” said SAPS spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane.
Sowetanlive reports that the arrested individuals now face charges of contravening the Immigration Act, and further investigations could lead to additional charges related to unlawful mining operations.
The crackdown, which forms part of the broader Operation Vala Umgodi initiative aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, also saw the confiscation of an array of unlicensed mining equipment. Among the seized items were 43 phendukas (grinding machines), industrial motors, generators, steel balls, and other tools used for unregulated mineral extraction.
Authorities believe these tools are part of a larger illegal mining scheme that continues to threaten South Africa’s economic stability and public safety.
“The presence of this scale of equipment shows a well-organized operation, not just casual diggers,” said a senior investigator who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of ongoing inquiries.
Illegal Mining Suspects are currently in custody
The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting their court appearance. Immigration officers have been deployed to expedite the verification process and determine whether deportation proceedings may follow.
Operation Vala Umgodi, launched in 2023, has been extended several times due to its success in disrupting illicit mining rings across provinces such as Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo.
Law enforcement officials say they are preparing for more arrests in connection with the Pilgrim’s Rest bust. The provincial police commissioner reiterated SAPS’ commitment to rooting out illegal mining, describing the operation as a “significant blow to criminal networks profiting at the nation’s expense.”
