Operation Vala Umgodi detains undocumented persons in Frances Baard District

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

FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT – On Friday morning, 10 May 2024, the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team went out in full swing to address issues of undocumented persons, illegal firearms, drugs and illicit mining at the Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley.

The integrated multi-disciplinary operations resulted in the arrest of 20 undocumented Lesotho nationals, including 19 males between the ages of 24 and 49 and a 27-year-old female.

The confiscation of liquor from unlicensed liquor outlets, which are regarded as generators of serious crime in the Samaria informal settlement, resulted in the arrests as well as fines issued to two South African male persons, aged 33 and 40, for illegally dealing in liquor.

Numerous tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the collaboration between the different Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Clusters in intensifying the fight against illicit mining activities in the district.

Ends

Enquiries:
Sergeant Molefi Shemane
071 310 9507

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