Operation Vala Umgodi Team removes a firearm from the streets in Samaria Informal Settlement

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

KIMBERLEY – The prevention of illicit mining and related crimes continues relentlessly at mining hotspot areas in Kimberley.

On Thursday, 19 December 2024, members of Operation Vala Umgodi conducted patrols at mining areas as well as crime prevention duties in the greater Kimberley focusing on vehicle checkpoints (VCP’S), stop and search actions and foot patrols.

At the Samaria informal settlement, members conducted a stop and search, which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The motorcycle used by the suspect with an estimated value of R70 000.00 was also confiscated by the police.

The team continued with crime prevention duties in Samaria and arrested three undocumented persons aged 23 to 31 years old.

At the vehicle checkpoint held on the R64 (Boshoff Road), vehicles were stopped and searched.

Fines amounting to R7 150.00 were issued to motorists with unroadworthy vehicles.

With the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, the public can report illegal mining activities and other related crimes to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

Ends

Enquiries:
Sergeant Molefi Shemane
071 310 9507

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za