
Operation Vala Umgodi has yielded significant results in the Vhembe District, with eight undocumented foreign nationals being apprehended for their involvement in illegal mining, immigration Act violations, and possession of counterfeit clothing worth a staggering R600,000.
The operation, which targeted illicit mining and counterfeit operations, led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals aged 24-36, suspected of participating in illegal mining activities. Five of these suspects were caught hiding in bushes near Muchipisi village with the help of SAPS drone pilots, while the other two were arrested at their rented house in Dingi village.
In addition to these arrests, a 37-year-old foreign national male was taken into custody for possession of counterfeit goods and illegal immigration. The police also seized counterfeit clothing valued at almost R600,000 from a shop in Thohoyandou CBD.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Department of Home Affairs collaborated on this operation, which will see the arrested suspects appear before the Malamulele and Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court soon.