Picture: The police confiscated some items during raids/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
12 March 2026 – High-density disruptive actions under Operation Vala Umgodi, focusing on hotspot areas linked to illegal mining activities in Kimberley, continue to intensify. As part of these efforts, a multi-disciplinary team arrested seven suspects aged between 29 and 73 on 11 March 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the suspects were apprehended for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act during ongoing police operations aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the Frances Baard District. Shemane said during the operation conducted at a mining site in Kimberley, the police discovered that the suspects did not possess valid mining permits to operate and had not been granted permission by the owner to conduct mining activities on the property.
“The suspects were subsequently arrested. The police officers attached to Operation Vala Umgodi also confiscated various tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining activities. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
“Multi-disciplinary operations targeting illicit mining will continue, with increased police visibility aimed at stabilising and normalising affected areas, as well as reclaiming communities from illegal mining activities,” he said.
The Guardian 