By REGINALD KANYANE
More than 60 undocumented immigrants were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and other crimes during weekend operations that commenced on Friday. The suspects were nabbed by the multi-disciplinary teams comprising the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue undoubtedly to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts in the Northern Cape.
“The teams’ actions and activities included visibility patrols, stop and searches and raids at specified addresses. The team in the Frances Baard District, pounced on construction sites and detained 35 undocumented immigrants of whom 24 were verified and processed for court.
“The team further arrested suspects for illegal mining and traced wanted suspects who have been evading court proceedings,” he said.
Sam said in the Namakwa District, the police received a tip-off regarding illegal mining activities in the Sizamile Informal Settlement in Port Nolloth and detained 22 undocumented immigrants. He said suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs as well as contravention of the mining statutes.
“Several suspects were also fined under the Road Traffic Management Act. The teams confiscated numerous mining implements believed to be utilised in the commission of these crimes. Undocumented suspects are detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation and all those arrested for other crimes will be presented to Court soon.
“The police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, will continue to stamp their authority in clamping down on illegal mining and other related crimes. If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
The Guardian 