Picture: Some of the illegal miners nabbed/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Illegal mining continues to become an increasing risk to sustainability, especially in the mining industry in the Namaqua District, says the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola.
Otola said the police have made great strides in the battle against illegal miners in the district, specifically in the Kleinsee area. She said 867 illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation two months ago.
“In ensuring the continuation of combating illicit mining activities in the area, we have reinforced human and other resources to prevent the re-occurrence of illegal mining activities in the area. Between 7 and 13 November 2023, police arrested 46 persons for trespassing, undocumented immigrants, and possession of suspected uncut diamonds.
“The police crime prevention’s stop and search actions also resulted in the confiscation of numerous illegal mining implements such as, spades, pick axes, bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel, suspected uncut diamonds, hammers, and sieves,” she said.
Otola further said, the police will continue to monitor the situation in order to curb illicit mining.
The Guardian 