About 39 Arrested in Vala Umgodi Operations in Sun City and Mooinooi

A total of 39 suspects were arrested in a series of raids conducted between Thursday, October 3, and Saturday, October 5, 2024, as part of the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations. The arrests took place in the areas of Sun City and Mooinooi and targeted individuals involved in illegal activities, particularly related to immigration violations and illegal mining.

Among those arrested, 34 males and five females were found to be in contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002), which deals with the unlawful presence of foreign nationals in South Africa. In addition, 10 of the suspects face charges related to illegal mining, while eight were apprehended for being in possession of unwrought material, further intensifying concerns about illegal mining operations in the region.

The 39 suspects are expected to appear in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrate Courts on Monday, October 7, 2024, to face charges ranging from immigration violations to illegal mining activities.

Vala Umgodi is a targeted operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and related crimes, which have posed significant challenges to both law enforcement and local communities. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on these activities and ensuring that the law is upheld.

Further investigations are expected as authorities continue to tackle the criminal networks behind these operations.