Ermelo: A total of 10 suspects, aged between 18 and 36, were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud during Operation Vala Umgodi in Ermelo. The suspects were cornered on Friday, 23 May 2025.

According to South African Police Service, the team carried out disruptive operations at Thusi Village and Wesselton area in Ermelo. Among the arrested suspects, one was apprehended for fraud after producing a fake asylum document to the police.

The suspects were charged with contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, and they are expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed gratitude to the members assigned to Operation Vala Umgodi for their dedication and unwavering commitment to fighting crime.