21 Suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi actions for contravention of the Illicit Mining and Immigration statutes in the Northern Cape

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

KIMBERLEY – The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary initiative, Operation Vala Umgodi that focuses on the combatting of illicit mining activities, commenced in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts between Wednesday, 26 June 2024 and Friday, 28 June 2024. The operation has led to the arrest of 21 suspects for contravention of the Illicit Mining and Immigration Statutes.

The teams comprising of members of SAPS, the SANDF and DHA Immigration Services executed intelligence driven operations in Colville in Kimberley and Belbank in Windsorton in the Frances Baard District while within the Koingnaas and Bontekoi mining areas in the Namakwa District a total of 21 suspects were arrested. Among the arrested were Zimbabwean, Lesotho, Mozambican and South African nationals, for illegal mining activities while others were detained as undocumented immigrants.

Numerous mining implements and bags containing suspected diamond bearing gravel were confiscated.

The suspects are expected to appear before the respective Magistrate’s Courts soon.

If you See something, SAY something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Ends

Enquiries:
Sergeant Timothy Sam
082 494 9981

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