South African Police Service Cracks Down On Illegal Mining In Mpumalanga

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

Operation Vala Umgodi was launched by the South African Police Service in the Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga.
Police seized hand grenades and live ammunition during the operation, with suspected illegal miners fleeing the scene.
South Africans praised the police, with many crediting the new police minister for improving efforts to combat crime.

During his four years at Daily Sun, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, covered criminal activities, investigations, and court proceedings across South Africa.

Cops in Mpumalanga uncovered military-grade grenades at an illegal mining site. Image: South African Police Service Source: Facebook

MPUMALANGA — On September 20, suspected illegal miners in the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga fled as the South African Police Service launched Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative aimed at clamping down on illegal activities in the region. This operation is part of a broader strategy to address the growing concern over illegal mining and its associated dangers. The police's swift action sent a strong message to those involved in illegal mining operations, showing that law enforcement is taking these threats seriously.

Discovering Grenades and Live Ammunition

According to the South African Police Service, Operation Vala Umgodi was spearheaded by District Commissioner Major General Dorah Xaba, focusing on the Dientjie area. When news of the police's arrival reached the suspected illegal miners, they quickly abandoned the site and fled. The police, however, were not deterred and managed to confiscate two hand grenades and live ammunition. Acting Commissioner for the province, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the operation, emphasizing the importance of recovering such dangerous items. He also issued a stern warning to anyone involved in illegal mining, stating that the police would continue to pursue these operations aggressively.

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The discovery of military-grade items at the site raised serious concerns about the methods and tools being used by illegal miners. It also highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to prevent such incidents in the future. Major General Mkhwanazi emphasized that these items were not only dangerous but also a potential threat to public safety, making their recovery a significant victory for the police.

Public Reaction and Praise for SAPS

The South African public took to social media to commend the South African Police Service for its efforts in cracking down on illegal mining. Facebook users expressed their admiration for the police's dedication and effectiveness in handling the situation. Many credited the new police minister for the recent improvements in crime-fighting efforts, praising the leadership for bringing about positive change.

Uche Saenchez remarked, "In all honesty, the new minister is doing something better so far." This sentiment was echoed by others, with Themba Mthizo adding, "It's war. We are in a war zone." The public's reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with Raolane Moshoma May Chomie simply stating, "Great job." Some, however, were curious about the origins of the seized items, with Tshephang Ralenyena asking, "Where on earth did they get the hand grenades?"

Hlakudi Kgalema Hlakudi praised the police, saying, "Well done, SAPS." Meanwhile, Lucky Fakude raised concerns about the state of security forces, particularly the SANDF, stating, "This is terrorism, and it shows how weak our security forces are." Nyathi Mmdue echoed this concern, asking, "Where do people get such dangerous things?" These questions underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of illegal mining and ensuring that proper safeguards are in place to prevent such incidents.

Uncovering Illegal Mining in an Informal Settlement

In a related development, Briefly News reported that two men were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities from their home in an informal settlement. Authorities discovered a tunnel leading from one of the suspects' shacks to a nearby mine, where they were illegally extracting gold. The discovery sparked amusement among netizens, with some joking that the miners were "working from home." While the situation was treated with humor by some, it also highlighted the extent to which illegal mining has permeated various communities, emphasizing the need for continued law enforcement efforts to address the issue.

The police's recent successes in Mpumalanga demonstrate their commitment to tackling illegal mining and its associated dangers. As the operation continues, the public remains hopeful that these efforts will lead to a safer and more secure environment for all South Africans.