By REGINALD KANYANE
31 July 2025- Eighteen suspects were arrested during a swift and coordinated operation by the law enforcement in Prieska on 30 July 2025. The operation was executed by a team composed of the De Aar Public Order Police, Prieska SAPS, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said acting on intelligence received, the team descended on a mountainous area approximately 7.5km outside Prieska, where the suspects were reportedly engaged in illicit mining activities. Ehlers said 18 men aged between 21 and 60, were apprehended at the scene.
“Mining implements suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, as well as bags containing what is believed to be gemstones, were confiscated. The suspects were detained on charges of contravening the illicit mining Act, Act 28 of 2002,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the collaborative efforts of the involved units and expressed appreciation to the community for providing valuable information that enabled law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mtukushe said the police will continue to enhance efforts to dismantle illegal mining activities in the province.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations will continue with the investigation,” she said.
The Guardian 