Nine Mozambican nationals were arrested for illegal mining near Ngodwana by the Mpumalanga Provincial police on Saturday October 3, 2026. The arrests were made under Operation Vala Umgodi after police received multiple reports from local residents about shootouts between rival illegal mining gangs in the area.
During the operation police found two dead bodies with gunshot wounds and seized a chemical which they believed was used to refine gold bearing material and recovered pendukas which is a mining equipment. The N4 toll route at Schoemanskloof was also temporarily closed by the Trans African Concession company. since Sunday after the gunshots reported.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Donald Mdluli also shared the details of the operation. He said, “The arrest of the suspects is one of the disruptive activities to destabilize illegal mining activities in the province. The arrest demonstrates the police unwavering commitment and people should expect more of the activities”.
According to police department reports, the department is working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the identification of the arrested culprits. Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS of Mpumalanga, shared the report on the success of the operations and mentioned that the department will continue the operations in other areas. He further requested locals to give shelter to illegal miners as it disturbed the environment of the communities.
Modise said, “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, Pilgrim’s rest etc. We urge the public not to harbour illegal miners whose activities have harmful repercussions for the environment and the livelihoods of residents”.
Notably, the arrested foreign nationals are facing charges related to illegal mining activities along with possession of gold bearing material. The nine suspects are expected to appear in court in due course.