By STAFF REPORTER
28 September 2026 – Two men aged 42 and 43 have been arrested for alleged illegal mining activities in the Alexander Bay policing precinct in the Namakwa District. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrests were made on 25 September 2026, after police received a tip-off from a security company about illegal digging activities at Beesbank at approximately 9:30pm.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said while travelling to the mine, Alexander Bay SAPS members conducted patrols at Beauvallon, where they spotted a blue double-cab bakkie with people standing next to it. Magerman said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel, as well as digging implements found inside and outside the vehicle.
“The two suspects were arrested at the scene for allegedly contravening the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 by conducting illegal prospecting and mining without authorisation.
“The police seized the suspected diamond-bearing gravel, digging implements and the vehicle as part of the investigation. The suspects are expected to appear before the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Magerman further said the police in the Namakwa District remained committed to combating illegal mining activities. He added that illegal mining activities cause serious damage to the economy and the environment.
“We remain committed to combating these activities and ensuring that those involved are brought to justice,” said Magerman.
