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Operation Vala Umgodi nets 215 suspects

Operation Vala Umgodi nets 215 suspects

Operation Vala Umgodi nets 215 suspects The South African Police Service’s nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi has led to the arrest of 215 suspects of different nationalities. “These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms, illegal possession of gold bearing material, illegal possession of precious metals, possession of gold processing equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement. The arrests were effected between 18 and 24 August. Meanwhile, members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi have secured yet another effective jail sentence for two Mozambican nationals. On 20 August, the Polokwane Regional Court sentenced 28-year-old Adam Sithole and 22-year-old Musa Mlambo to 10 years direct imprisonment each after they were convicted of charges relating to unlawful mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. “Operation Vala Umgodi is a testament to the government’s commitment to combating these criminal networks and protecting the country’s mineral resources,” the police said. - SAnews.gov.za Edwin Fri, 08/29/2025 - 09:33 18 views