Pic: Nine suspects nabbed for illegal mining activities in Mashobodo
Police nab nine foreign nationals for illegal mining in Mashobodo
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Nine suspects were arrested in Mashobodo, near Schoemanskloof, on Saturday 3 October 2026 as police intensify operations against illegal mining activities in the province.
The arrest is reportedly part of Operation Vala Umgodi and the suspects are said to be foreign nationals from Mozambique.
Various items allegedly used for illegal mining were discovered during the operation including; pendukas (mining implements), some chemicals suspected to be used to refine gold-bearing material.
The area of Mashobodo made national headlines last week after two unidentified male bodies were discovered riddled with bullets in what police believe was a gun fight against two rival groups of illegal miners. The intense shootout led to the temporary closure of the N4 on Tuesday 29 September 2026 as police members combed through the area.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the arrest forms part of many disruptive activities to destabilise illegal mining activities.
“The report indicates that a multidisciplinary team under Operation Vala Umgodi were acting on intelligence information when they pounced on a group of illegal miners in Mashobodo and it was during this time when they cornered the nine male suspects,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
He added that the SAPS(South African Police Service) is working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects in the country.
The Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, said the arrests demonstrate the unwavering commitment by SAPS to tackle illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga.
She urged the public to refrain from harbouring illegal miners whose activities have harmful repercussions for the environment and the livelihoods of residents
“As the SAPS, we continue to unsure the utilization 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,” said Lt-Gen Modise.
The arrested suspects are reportedly facing charges in relation to illegal mining activities and possession of gold-bearing material. The nine are expected to appear in court soon.
