Klerksdorp Record, Stilfontein - Operation Vala Umgodi is a law enforcement operation in South Africa that aims to combat illegal mining activities.
Last week, the Vala Umgodi team made several arrests in the war against illegal mining. On Wednesday June 5, the intelligence team visited James shaft near Stilfontein where they spotted four suspicious males carrying a bag.
Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, said the operational team was mobilised and they managed to arrest the suspects. Three of the suspects are Mozambican and two of them are undocumented. The fourth suspect is a South African. “Two 12 volt batteries and one pulling winch near the ventilation shaft were discovered that were apparently due to be lowered underground.
“The suspects are facing charges of conspiracy to commit crime and theft. They appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrates Court and are being detained.’’
In another incident on Tuesday evening, June 4, the Vala Umgodi team conducted a waylay operation at Tony Shaft near Khuma. Upon arrival at the shaft, the members spotted Zama-Zamas, who ran to different directions and disappeared in the bushes.
The team discovered one Uzi machine gun with a magazine, 10 rounds of ammunition, various food products and a pulling winch. “It was established that the firearm was stolen during a house robbery in March 2023, in Klerksdorp.’’
In the third incident, the team spotted suspects who were lowering food at James Shaft in the early hours of Friday morning, May 31. Upon arrival of the police, the suspects ran away and left behind a lot of maize meal, a Nissan utility vehicle and a rope used to get the food underground. “The goods including the vehicle were confiscated. Investigations including confirmation of the vehicle ownership, are underway,’’ said Brig Mokgwabone.
The Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the teams for their tireless efforts in the fight against illicit economic activities.
