By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 72 illegal immigrants were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi in Kimberly on Sunday. The suspects that comprised of Zimbabwean, Lesotho, Nigerians and others, were arrested by the multi-disciplinary operation that includes the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspects will be processed and verified by the immigration officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation.
“The focus of the operation was to trace and raid illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining around Samaria Informal Settlement in Kimberley.
“The team’s actions and activities included visibility patrols, raids at specified addresses and stop and searches,” he said.
Sam further said the police through Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to working with other stakeholders in addressing the scourge of illicit mining driven by undocumented and or illegal migrants.
TaungDailyNews 