By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects suspects were arrested for being in possession of firearm and ammunition during the multi-disciplinary illicit mining operation, Operation Vala Umgodi in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs on 16 February 2024.

“The operational team received a tip-off regarding suspicious unknown men, who have been sleeping in the veld around the mining areas. The team operationalised the information and executed a search plan to monitor the movement of the unknown persons.

“The suspects were approached and apprehended. The police searched the suspects and found one black and grey firearm, one magazine and three live rounds. The three suspects were charged for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition, as well as the Contravention of the Illicit Mining Act,” he said.

Sam said the suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, appreciated the efforts of the multi-disciplinary team and thanked the public for providing information to the police ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from criminals.

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