By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 October 2024- Two men aged 35 and 42 were arrested for illegal mining and trespassing during Operation Vala Umgodi on Thursday. The operational teams of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), allegedly followed up on intelligence-driven information from Ekapa mine security personnel, regarding illegal mining activities taking place on the mine premises in Kenilworth, Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the information was tactically operationalised by both SAPS and SANDF. Pilane said the suspects allegedly tried to flee, but they were successfully arrested.
“Mining equipment believed to be used in the commission of crime, a vehicle as well as suspected diamond bearing rocks were confiscated.
“On 26 October 2024, a man (57), was arrested and issued with a fine for the contravention of the Liquor Act, at the Samaria Informal Settlement in Kimberley after he was found to be trading with liquor illegally,” she said.
Pilane further said a significant amount of alcohol was confiscated and the shebeen was closed down. She added that the Operation Vala Umgodi team will continue with a zero tolerance approach to address illicit mining and related crimes in the province.
The Guardian 