Illegal miner shot and arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has shot and arrested one illegal miner during Operation Vala Umgodi in Simile Township, Nkanini Section, Sabie.
According to reports, members of the Combat Team in Sabie received a tip-off from a source about a group of Zama Zamas (foreign nationals) who were allegedly refining gold illegally and selling mercury at a specific address in the area.
Police acted on the information and proceeded to the location.
Upon arrival, the police ran into three suspects who, without hesitation, opened fire at the police and immediately fled the scene.
The police shot back at the suspects, injuring one in the right thigh.
The suspect was immediately arrested and admitted to Sabie Hospital under police guard and has since been discharged and placed in custody.
The two other suspects managed to escape.
The 30-year-old suspect, believed to be a Mozambican, faces charges of possession of gold-bearing material, possession of illicit mining equipment, attempted murder and being an illegal immigrant.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and thanked the public for providing valuable information that led to the arrest of the suspect.
'Illegal mining continues to threaten our economy and public safety. We will ensure that those who engage in such activities face the full might of the law,' said Mkhwanazi.
The police in Tsineng have arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged shooting incident between Ganap and Laxey Village on Saturday, 14 June 2025, claiming two lives.
According to police, approximately six suspects allegedly attempted to break into a tuck shop in the area.
However, a group of community members reportedly approached the suspects, prompting them to flee the scene.
It is alleged that one of the suspects, trying to escape, stopped a vehicle near the scene and shot a 38-year-old driver and his passenger.
The passenger died on the scene and the driver succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
An intensive search led to a residence in Mothibistad, where three men were arrested.
Investigations are currently ongoing.
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