The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that its nationwide Vala Umgodi operations resulted in the arrest of 999 suspects in July.
The suspects face a range of charges, including murder, attempted murder, theft of minerals, and contravening the Immigration Act.
Police said the month-long operation targeted illegal activities across multiple provinces, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Vala Umgodi
Spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi said officers seized large quantities of unpolished diamonds, gold-bearing material, firearms, and mining equipment.
“On 23 July 2025, members of the national roving team and K9 unit deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga arrested suspects aged between 20 and 36 years for illegal possession of explosives and gold-bearing material worth R300,000.”
Mukhathi said the officers also worked to prevent and combat crimes not directly linked to illegal mining.
“Among some of the items seized during Vala Umgpdi operation in July include 28 unlicensed firearms, 787 rounds of ammunition, 42 vehicles that include 11 seda, 7 bakkies, 20 trucks, 1 minibus, and 3 TLBs, 220 pendukas, and 57 generators.”
In other news – Lynn Forbes opens up about emotional dreams of her late son AKA
Lynn Forbes has opened up about life after the loss of her son, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, more than two years after his tragic death. The award-winning rapper was shot and killed in Durban on 10 February 2023, leaving fans and family devastated.
In a heartfelt interview on the Ikigai Awakening podcast, shared on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, Lynn reflected on her ongoing grief and the ways her son still feels present in her life. Read More
