Saps arrest 13 suspected illegal miners in Sabie operation

The South African Police Service (Saps) arrested 13 suspected illegal miners in Sabie on Sunday, 04 October 2026, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. The operation targeted illegal mining activity in Mashobodo under the Ngodwana policing area, authorities said.

Who was arrested and when they will appear in court

Police said the 13 suspects are all foreign nationals: 12 from Mozambique and one from the Kingdom of Eswatini. Among the Mozambican suspects, two are women. All suspects are expected to appear at Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 06 October 2026.

Charges and evidence recovered

Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a police spokesperson, said the suspects face charges including illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material, possession of gold-bearing equipment, and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

During the operation, police recovered pendukas (mining implements) and chemicals suspected to be used to refine gold-bearing material, the statement said.

Operation details and broader enforcement

Mdhluli said the multidisciplinary team under Operation Vala Umgodi was acting on intelligence when it apprehended the group in Mashobodo. He also said:

“The South African Police Service, through Operation Vala Umgodi, continue to intensify operations against illegal mining activities in Mashobodo under Ngodwana Policing area.”

He added that

“Police are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects in the country.”

Police warning and ongoing work

Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, Provincial Commissioner of the Saps in Mpumalanga, said the arrests demonstrate the service’s commitment to tackling illegal mining. She warned the public not to harbour illegal miners and said similar operations will continue in other areas, naming Barberton, Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest among locations where enforcement will be carried out.

“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, Pilgrim’s Rest, etc.”

The 13 arrests bring the weekend total to 22 suspected illegal miners detained by police, the statement said.