Picture: Illegal miners nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 September 2024 – Thirteen suspects were arrested for Contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002) during integrated Vala Umgodi operation in Mooinooi. All 13 suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 23 September 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said in another incident reported in Stilfontein on 19 September 2024, police were allegedly called to a local mine shaft after mine security reported that they apprehended illegal miners on level 10. Myburgh said 6 illegal miners were found and on searching the suspects, seven pieces of Almagum (Gold) were found hidden in the dread locks of one of the suspects.
“In another arrest on 20 September 2024, police were called back to the same shaft in Stilfontein, where six more illegal miners were found on level 14. During the search, a backpack was found with more Almagum inside.
“All 12 suspects in Stilfontein were nabbed for contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002) and illegal mining. They will appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 23 September 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their hard work and continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining activities.
The Guardian 