Over 1,700 Arrested In March As SAPS Cracks Down On Illegal Mining

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against illegal mining and related crimes, revealing that 1,733 suspects of various nationalities were arrested across seven provinces in March 2025.

The suspects face charges including illegal mining, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and possession of suspected stolen property.

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Launched to tackle illegal mining and associated criminal activities, Operation VALA UMGODI has intensified law enforcement presence at high-risk areas.

Authorities deployed in the affected provinces are also clamping down on unrelated criminal activities discovered during these operations.

Illegal Firearms, Ammunition, Vehicles And Mining Equipment Seized

Among the significant items seized during the March 2025 operations were:

• 29 unlicensed firearms
• 246 rounds of ammunition
• 57 vehicles (including sedans, trucks, bakkies, trailers, and excavators)
• 439 pendukas (makeshift mining devices)

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These confiscations was a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks exploiting South Africa’s mineral resources.

Provincial Highlights: From Free State to North West

Free State: A 33-year-old employee at Kopanang Mine was arrested for smuggling contraband, including bottles of whiskey, to illegal miners underground. Two more illegal miners resurfaced and were arrested at Beatrix Mine Shaft 1.

Gauteng: On 29 March, 55 suspects were appreheded in Soul City informal settlement, Kagiso. Police seized 155 pendukas, one unlicensed firearm, and ammunition.

KwaZulu-Natal: Police busted two suspects in Esikhaleni, aged 27 and 33, linked to planned armed robberies. They were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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Limpopo: Twenty-six undocumented foreign nationals were caught across districts, including 21 suspects detained in the Vhembe district for contravening the Immigration Act.

Mpumalanga: Acting on a tip-off, SAPS arrested a 49-year-old man for money laundering and bribery. Officers confiscated R1.2 million in cash and Mozambican currency from his residence.

Northern Cape: Fourteen suspects were arrested in Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts for illegal mining, drug possession, and trespassing.

North West: Two excavators and various mining tools were confiscated at Bapong. In Rustenburg, 10 undocumented individuals were arrested for immigration violations.

Over 20,000 Arrests and 600+ Firearms Seized Since Operation Launch

Since the inception of Operation VALA UMGODI, SAPS disclosed that, more than 20,000 suspects have been arrested nationwide.

Authorities have also seized over 600 firearms, including imitation firearms, and more than 14,000 rounds of ammunition.

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