Orkney: Police have successfully apprehended 225 illegal miners who emerged from underground in the North West province, specifically in the area of Orkney. These arrests come amidst a broader crackdown on illegal mining activities led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

According to South African Government News Agency, the miners resurfaced due to starvation and dehydration as a result of blocked supply routes. The Vala Umgodi teams, a joint operation between SAPS and SANDF, have been instrumental in cutting off access to food and necessities, forcing the miners to abandon their underground hideouts. The police reported that these operations have been ongoing and that any attempts by local communities to deliver aid to the illegal miners were thwarted.

The operation, named Vala Umgodi, aims to dismantle illegal mining networks across the country. Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, has praised the success of
the operation, stating that it has yielded significant results. Since its launch in December 2023, Operation Vala Umgodi has led to the arrest of over 13,691 suspects in seven provinces known for illegal mining activities. Authorities have also seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds valued at R32 million.

The arrested individuals include nationals from South Africa, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Lieutenant General Sibiya emphasized that the operation will continue until all illegal miners are brought to justice, highlighting the ongoing monitoring of abandoned mine shafts by SAPS and SANDF forces.