Over 100 illegal miners arrested in North West

Over 100 illegal miners arrested in North West! North West police have arrested 104 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities during a joint law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Vala Umgodi. The operation took place between Thursday, 10 April and Tuesday, 16 April in the Brits and Rustenburg areas.

Mining Equipment Confiscated

At the time of the arrests, the suspects were allegedly caught in the act and found in possession of mining equipment, which has since been confiscated by police.

Illegal miners

Undocumented Foreign Nationals

According to police, all those arrested are undocumented foreign nationals. They face charges relating not only to illegal mining but also to the contravention of the Immigration Act.

Awaiting Deportation

North West police spokesperson Mpho Manyoba confirmed that the suspects are being processed by the Department of Home Affairs before being deported to their countries of origin.

“The suspects are believed to be from various countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, and Lesotho,” said Manyoba.

Ongoing Crackdown

Operation Vala Umgodi forms part of a wider national crackdown on illegal mining, which has been linked to organised crime, environmental damage, and safety risks across several provinces.

In other news – Mhlo Gumede responds to polygamy rumours involving wife Zandie Khumalo

Former record label executive Mhlo Gumede has addressed swirling rumours about his personal life, particularly reports suggesting his wife, singer Zandie Khumalo-Gumede, may soon accept a second wife into their marriage. “I can’t comment on the Gumede affairs in the media, I’ve never and will not stoop so low to make premature comments on my household,” said Gumede in response to growing speculation.

The rumours claim that Nonjabulo Mdluli, the niece of late Ukhozi FM presenter and Crown Gospel Awards founder Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, is set to become Gumede’s second wife. Speculation around the polygamous arrangement first surfaced last year. Read More