5 women among 33 illegal immigrants arrested in illegal mining operation

5 women among 33 illegal immigrants arrested in illegal mining operation! At least 33 illegal immigrants, aged between 18 and 45, were arrested in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, on suspicion of illegal mining activities during a police operation named Operation Vala Umgodi.

Among the arrested suspects, five were female, while 28 were male.

Illegal Mining Equipment Seized

Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, confirmed the arrests and revealed that law enforcement officers found mining equipment in the possession of the suspects, suggesting their involvement in illegal mining operations.

“The suspects were nabbed during the time when the team of law enforcement agencies was conducting a disruptive operation in the area of Pilgrim’s Rest. The astute members managed to confiscate 11 phendukas, four generators, seven gas cylinders, a water tank with a capacity of 1,000 litres, two motors, two cutting torches, and other items such as a water pump, spade, shovel, electrical cable, jackhammer, as well as a pilot gun,” said Mdhluli.

These tools are commonly used in illegal mining, which has become a major concern in South Africa due to its destructive impact on the environment, local communities, and the economy.

Illegal immigrants arrested

Court Appearance and Case Postponement

The suspects appeared in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Monday. However, their case has been postponed to three different dates: March 7, March 10, and March 13, 2025.

Mdhluli explained that the postponements were necessary to allow for further investigations, including the verification of the suspects’ ages and identities. Another reason cited was to avoid overcrowding in the courtroom.

Government Cracks Down on Employers Hiring Illegal Foreign Nationals

Meanwhile, in a related crackdown on illegal immigration, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has imposed fines amounting to R68,000 on 38 employers for hiring illegal foreign nationals without valid work permits.

In a parliamentary response, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth stated that the department conducted inspections in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Our mandate is to enforce the implementation of labour laws to ensure the protection of workers, while the Department of Home Affairs scrutinises the validity of visas and work permits through the application of immigration laws,” said Meth.

She further explained that when non-compliance with immigration laws is detected, Home Affairs is responsible for arresting both non-compliant employers and employees.

Hundreds of Foreign Nationals and Employers Found Non-Compliant

The joint operation between the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, and the police uncovered widespread violations across all nine provinces.

Meth revealed that during the labour blitz, authorities found:

• 68 employers failing to comply with labour and immigration laws.
• 322 foreign nationals working in South Africa without valid work permits or visas.

The South African government has been increasing efforts to tackle illegal mining and employment of undocumented foreign workers, as these activities contribute to crime, economic strain, and job losses for South African citizens.

The Growing Problem of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining, also known as “zama-zama” mining, has become a significant crisis in South Africa. These operations often lead to:

• Severe environmental damage, including soil erosion and water pollution.
• Increased crime, as illegal miners are often linked to gang violence and smuggling networks.
• Economic losses, as these activities undermine the formal mining sector and result in billions in lost tax revenue.

Government’s Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Mining and Employment Violations

The South African government has vowed to intensify operations like Operation Vala Umgodi to target illegal mining syndicates. Law enforcement agencies will also continue inspections of businesses that employ undocumented foreign nationals.

Authorities have called on communities to report suspicious mining activities and businesses employing illegal workers, emphasizing the importance of working together to combat these challenges.

As the 33 arrested individuals remain in custody, their court cases will determine their fate, while the government remains firm in its stance against illegal mining and labour law violations.