Operation Vala Umgodi, launched as a national initiative to combat illegal mining in South Africa, focuses primarily on disrupting illicit activities at known hotspots by targeting those directly involved on the ground. The operation has been instrumental in apprehending low-level offenders, often referred to as zama zamas, but has faced criticism for not reaching the higher tiers of the criminal syndicates behind these operations.
Responding to a parliamentary question posed by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of Parliament (MP) Inkosi Cebekhulu, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu provided clarification regarding high-level arrests under Operation Vala Umgodi and international engagement on cross-border illegal mining.
High-Level Arrests Under Operation Vala Umgodi
Referring to the earlier reply on 30 December 2024, Mchunu confirmed that Operation Vala Umgodi is specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle illegal mining operations on the ground. The individuals typically apprehended through this operation are frontline operatives rather than senior figures within organised criminal networks.
Given the nature of the operation and its tactical focus, the arrest of financiers or kingpins, those operating behind the scenes and benefitting financially, is considered highly improbable. As such, no total number of high-level arrests under Operation Vala Umgodi can be reported at this stage.
Engagement with International Partners on Cross-Border Illegal Mining
The South African Police Service (SAPS), through the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), has actively engaged with both regional and international partners to address the cross-border dimensions of illegal mining.
Key efforts include:
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Bilateral Cooperation: In the Free State, the DPCI holds bi-monthly bilateral meetings with authorities in Lesotho and with other South African provinces sharing borders, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. These meetings aim to enhance cross-jurisdictional coordination on illegal mining issues.
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United Nations Engagement: The DPCI participates in structures and initiatives under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) focused on combatting illegal mining and the transnational trafficking of precious metals.
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Global Partnerships: The DPCI is currently involved in collaborative efforts with Switzerland and the United States, specifically targeting the international networks involved in illicit mineral trade.
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Regional Coordination via INTERPOL: Through INTERPOL, the DPCI engages with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the International Platinum Group Metals Association (IPA) to address cross-border syndicates and strengthen enforcement capacity.
In addition to these partnerships, the DPCI chairs the National Coordination and Strategic Management Team (NCSMT), which has developed the National Integrated Illegal Mining and Illicit Precious Metals Trafficking Strategy. This interdepartmental framework seeks to combat illegal mining holistically, involving entities such as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The DMRE is specifically responsible for closing derelict and ownerless mines, a critical measure in curbing opportunities for illegal mining and mitigating environmental damage.
The DPCI is currently overseeing eight registered projects and two major investigations targeting illegal mining syndicates. Furthermore, its draft Illegal Mining Strategy is in the final stages of consultation and will soon be presented to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster for approval.
Mchunu noted that while Operation Vala Umgodi has not yielded arrests of kingpins or financiers, broader inter-agency and international measures are being pursued to dismantle the complex networks behind illegal mining in South Africa.
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The post No High-Level Arrests Under Vala Umgodi, but SAPS Deepens International Efforts Against Illegal Mining appeared first on defenceWeb.
