Through an intensified operation with the SANDF and SAPS, the Vala Umgodi operation managed to force 225 illegal miners to resurface from underground in Orkney as a result of starvation and dehydration. 

Over 200 illegal miners have resurfaced in Orkney

PUNISHMENT 

The 225 illegal miners are believed to be part of hundreds if not thousands, of illegal miners who are stuck underground with no food, water, and necessities because the Vala Umgodi teams are blocking routes used to deliver necessities to these illegal miners. North West Spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwaabone said earlier this week, the Vala Umgodi teams blocked communities in and around these abandoned mining shafts in Orkney from delivering food parcels, water, and necessities to these illegal miners. "This act of stamping the authority of the state eventually forced these illegal miners to resurface. This operation is ongoing and SAPS and the SANDF are still monitoring these old abandoned mine shafts as more and more illegal miners resurface."

Illegal miners that have been apprehended

PROGRESS

 The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, said the operations are yielding positive results. "We are closely monitoring the situation that is unfolding in the North West province, we are not backing down until all those illegal miners resurface and are arrested. Since its inception in December 2023 to date, more than 13 691 suspects have been arrested in the seven provinces that are hotspots for illegal mining. We have seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million through Operation Vala Umgodi," said Sibiya. He said the majority of those who have been arrested include South Africans, Mozambicans, and Basotho nationals.