Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection addresses members on parade, deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi

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

KIMBERLEY – Operation Vala Umgodi operations in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts remain persistent in fighting the scourge of illicit mining and other related crimes by conducting continuous disruptive operations in hotspots areas within the districts.

On Tuesday, 03 December 2024, the Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection and Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the Operational Commander of Operation Vala Umgodi Colonel Michael Diamond, Senior Managers and representatives from the Department of Home Affairs attended a parade comprising of Operation Vala Umgodi team members.

Maj Gen Ngubelanga re-emphasised the importance of the adherence to police safety measures, which can prevent attacks, injury, and killing of police officials.

He instructed members on parade to always be operationally ready when reporting for duty, to be alert, and to ensure that they are mentally and physically fit.

Members were urged to call for backup and not to try to be heroes, and they must tactically approach complaints during the execution of the operations.

On Monday, 02 December 2024, members of Operation Vala Umgodi in Kleinzee were patrolling when they received information regarding illegal mining activities.

The information was operationalised and followed up, where a suspect was allegedly found in possession of a suspected unpolished diamond.

The 47-year-old foreign national male were subsequently arrested for possession of a suspected unpolished diamond.

In addition, three foreign nationals between the ages of 18 and 42 were arrested in Kleinzee after they failed to produce any documentation that allowed them to be in the country.

In Kimberley, on Monday, 02 December 2024, information was received and followed up regarding drugs sold at a certain identified location.

The operation led to the arrest of a 36-year-old foreign national for possession of suspected drugs with an estimated street value of R13 000.

Operation Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary teams remain committed in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes during the festive season and beyond.

Ends

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Sergeant Molefi Shemane
071 310 9507

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