Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Nine suspected illegal miners have been arrested at Mashobodo under the Ngodwana Policing area in Mpumalanga.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the suspects, who are from Mozambique, were arrested earlier today, Saturday, 3 October 2026.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers under Operation Vala Umgodi swooped on the area.
They pounced on a group of illegal miners in Mashobodo, and they cornered and arrested nine of them.
Police also recovered pendukas (mining implements) and chemicals used to refine gold-bearing material.
Brigadier Mdhluli said the arrested suspects face charges related to illegal mining activities and possession of gold-bearing material.
All nine suspects will appear in court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia 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, and Pilgrim’s Rest.
“We urge the public not to harbour illegal miners whose activities have harmful repercussions for the environment and the livelihoods of residents.”
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