The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded members of Operation Vala Umgodi for their continued efforts in disrupting illegal mining activities through crime prevention actions, including foot patrols which form part of the ongoing high-density operations.
On Monday, 20 May 2024, the team swiftly acted and conducted operations in targeted areas in De Beers, Samaria and Kenilworth leading to the discovery of illegal mining activities.
Upon approaching the area, suspects were noticed actively engaging in illegal mining activities. The suspects attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended by the team.
The team apprehended eighteen (18) male suspects and two (2) female suspects, including nine (9) South African males between the ages of 32 and 67 years old, nine (9) male Lesotho nationals, between the ages 30 and 53 years old and two (2) South African females aged 30 and 34 years old for engaging in illegal mining activities and violation of immigration laws.
During the arrest the police seized various mining equipment utilised in the illicit mining activities.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrates Court soon.
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