22 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS ARRESTED IN MASHOBODO AND SABIE

A total of 22 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in separate operations in Mashobodo and Sabie as the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi.

In Mashobodo, under the Ngodwana policing area, nine Mozambican nationals were arrested on Saturday, 3 October 2026, following an intelligence-driven operation by a multidisciplinary team.

Police reportedly cornered the nine male suspects at an illegal mining site. During the operation, officers recovered pendukas (mining equipment) and chemicals suspected to have been used in the processing of gold-bearing material.

The following day, Sunday, 4 October 2026, Operation Vala Umgodi teams arrested a further 13 suspected illegal miners in Sabie.

The Sabie suspects include 12 Mozambican nationals and one national from Eswatini, with two of the Mozambican suspects being women.

The 13 suspects are expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

The suspects arrested in the two operations face charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material, possession of gold-bearing equipment and contravention of South Africa’s Immigration Act.

The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, said the arrests demonstrate the police’s continued commitment to addressing illegal mining across the province.

“As the SAPS, we continue to ensure the utilisation of all available resources in dealing with illegal mining. Similar operations will continue to be carried out, not only in Mashobodo, but also in other areas, including Barberton, Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest,” said Modise.

Police also urged members of the public not to harbour illegal miners, warning that illegal mining activities can have serious consequences for the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.

Operation Vala Umgodi operations are expected to continue across Mpumalanga as law enforcement agencies work to disrupt illegal mining activities and hold those involved accountable.