By OBAKENG MAJE
16 March 2026 – A multi-disciplinary policing team focusing on illicit mining activities conducted disruptive police actions in and around Kleinsee and Port Nolloth areas on 13 March 2026. The police were conducting heightened visibility, when they followed up on intelligence-driven information regarding alleged criminal activities allegedly taking place at a specific house in Sizamile, Port Nolloth.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information was operationalised and the police armed with a search warrant pounced on the targeted house. Shemane said during the search, police found three suspected diamonds, dagga pokes and loose dagga.
“The two suspects aged 42 and 53 were subsequently arrested for possession of suspected diamonds and possession of drugs. The police further registered an enquiry after copper, which could not be accounted for, was found at a scrapyard in Porth Nolloth.
“The police intensified visibility patrols in Kleinsee and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted around illegal mining hotspots that led to the discovery of abandoned suspected illegal mining equipment and tools believed to be used in illegal mining activities,” he said.
Shemane further said the Operation Vala Umgodi Illicit Mining team in Namakwa remains committed in the eradication of illegal mining activities.
The Guardian 