Twenty-one illegal miners have been arrested during the police’s Operation Val’ Umgodi in Mpumalanga.

The arrests were made Dientjie, Sabie, Graskop and Low’s Creek between Friday and Saturday.

Police confiscated several items including a generator, gold bearing material and dagga.

Police spokesperson Mpho Nonyane says the suspects are facing charges of Contravention of Immigration Act, possession of gold bearing material and dagga.

The suspects are expected to appear in the various magistrates’ courts on Monday.

#sapsMP The team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga arrested nine suspects on 08 May 2025 at Ermelo for contravention of the Immigration Act. The suspects appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody. MLhttps://t.co/ociIcYpQkC pic.twitter.com/sUDOL3v5C4

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 9, 2025