By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 July 2025- Fifteen men aged between 20 and 48 were arrested in the Francis Baard District for contravening immigration legislation and engaging in illegal mining activities. These arrests form part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on the evening of Wednesday, 9 July 2025, a multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven operation was executed by the police in collaboration with Ekapa Mine Security. Pilane said the teams responded to information regarding illegal mining activities in the Samaria area.
“Upon arrival, a suspect (23) was caught in the act and subsequently arrested for illegal mining. On 10 July 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi teams, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit, received further intelligence regarding undocumented foreign nationals allegedly employed at a construction site in Mc Dougal Street in Kimberley.
“The information was swiftly operationalised, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals who were found to be in the country unlawfully. All suspects were charged in terms of the Immigration Act. Additionally, fines were issued to the employers for hiring undocumented foreign nationals,” she said.
Pilane further said Operation Vala Umgodi remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws, as well as addressing broader criminality within the province. She added that the police urge members of the public to report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The Guardian 