Mpumalanga police have made multiple arrests in separate operations targeting illegal mining and undocumented immigration. Several suspects appeared in court this week.
These arrests form part of Operation Vala Umgodi, which aims to curb illicit mining activities that threaten local communities, heritage sites, and the environment.
SEVEN NABBED IN PILGRIM’S REST CRACKDOWN
On Saturday, 20 September 2025, a multidisciplinary police team raided Pilgrim’s Rest, arresting seven suspects aged 15 to 43. Six were undocumented foreign nationals, while one faced a fine for employing illegal immigrants. Police seized abandoned mining equipment, including phendukas (stamping mills), motors, gas cylinders, wheelbarrows, and oxygen cylinders.
Pilgrim’s Rest, once a bustling gold-rush town and now a heritage destination, has seen increasing activity from zama zamas, or illegal miners. Consequently, these operations have polluted rivers, destabilised old mine shafts, and threatened tourism, a key income source for local residents.
SIX REMIAN IN CUSTODY
The six suspects, Bongani Botsie Mlilo, Nation Mlambo, Fabion Mahlaba, Simao Mashaba, Caiphus Mahlalela, and Makhosemvelo Moyo, appeared in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 1 October 2025. Authorities said the move is part of a wider push to safeguard public safety and crack down on illegal mining networks.
N4 STOP YIELDS THREE ARRESTS
On Monday, 22 September 2025, police arrested three undocumented men aged 29 to 36 during a stop-and-search near the Middelburg Toll Plaza on the N4. They are due to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court. Detectives are working with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the suspects’ immigration status and investigate possible links to illegal mining.
POLICE PLEDGE STRONGER ACTION
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe detectives were working with Home Affairs to verify the suspects’ status.
“These arrests are part of Operation Vala Umgodi, targeting illegal mining across Mpumalanga. We remain committed to intensifying operations to curb its growing impact,” she added.
Illegal mining continues to devastate communities, especially heritage towns like Pilgrim’s Rest. Authorities affirm that the ongoing operations are vital to protect public safety, preserve the environment, and safeguard tourism and local livelihoods.
