Over 1,500 illegal miners arrested since Operation Vala Umgodi began

More than five months since Operation Vala Umgodi began in Stilfontein, officials say 1,540 illegal miners are in police custody while 46 others have been found guilty of related crimes.

The three-phased operation to rescue thousands of zama zamas who were trapped underground at an abandoned mine shaft began in November last year.

The third and final phase began on Monday following a two-month delay and involves a cage being sent down the Buffelsfontein gold mine to bring illegal miners above ground.

Operations are set to resume on Wednesday following the rescue of 106 zama zamas on Tuesday and the retrieval of 51 bodies.

“Since August 2024 to Sunday, 12 January 2025 over 1,576 illegal miners have been arrested; 1,440 are still in custody; 121 illegal miners have already been deported which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, and one Malawian,” said police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.

Mathe said that close to 50 arrested illegal miners have been sentenced.

“Fourty-six have already been found guilty of illegal mining, trespassing and contravening the immigration act. The court handed down a sentence of R12,000 or six months wholly suspended imprisonment sentence for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of similar crimes.”

In other news – She said YES: Ex-The Queen actress Lorraine and Tyler ICU are engaged – Pictures

Congratulations are pouring in for actress Lorraine Moropa and DJ Tyler ICU, who have officially taken their relationship to the next level with an engagement! The couple shared the joyous news with fans on social media, unveiling glimpses of the romantic proposal that unfolded in the picturesque setting of Tanzania.

Lorraine took to Instagram to share the momentous occasion, posting a photo of her stunning engagement ring accompanied by a heartfelt message. Read More