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ActionSA strongly condemns the ongoing invasion of Mpumalanga by illegal foreign nationals who have no regard for our laws, our borders, or our resources. The latest arrests of sixteen illegal foreigners near Waterval Boven are yet another example of how South Africa has become a free-for-all for foreign criminals while the ANC government turns a blind eye.

These individuals, aged between 18 and 40, were caught in possession of gold-bearing material and illegal mining equipment, including generators and other tools used to extract our minerals unlawfully. Not a single one of them had legal documentation to be in South Africa. This comes just days after another six illegal foreigners were arrested in Barberton under Operation Vala Umgodi, where police discovered prohibited explosives, blasting cartridges, and detonating cords—tools used by organised criminal syndicates to plunder our resources.

Mpumalanga has become a haven for foreign criminals who cross our borders illegally, exploit our land, and rob South Africans of economic opportunities. Instead of enforcing strict immigration controls and protecting our country’s wealth, the ANC government allows this lawlessness to continue unchecked. South Africans are left to suffer while illegal foreigners operate with impunity, stripping our country of its resources and fuelling dangerous underground economies.

ActionSA demands urgent action to stop this crisis. We call for:

• The immediate deportation of all illegal foreigners involved in crime.
• A fierce crackdown on illegal mining syndicates.
• Stronger border security to stop this lawlessness at its source.
• A government that prioritises South Africans instead of allowing foreign criminals to run rampant.

Illegal mining is not just a criminal issue—it is a national security threat. ActionSA will not allow Mpumalanga to be looted by illegal foreigners while the ANC government looks the other way. If the ruling party refuses to act, we will ensure South Africans have a government that will.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Mpumalanga Legislature Thoko Mashiane