By REGINALD KANYANE
6 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said illegal mining and associated criminal activities were dealt a blow when members of Operation Vala Umgodi operationalised information received regarding alleged illegal mining activities and apprehended eight suspects.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said based on intelligence information received, a disruptive operation was conducted by Operation Vala Umgodi consisting of proactive and combatting teams together with Vetus Private Security in Kleinsee on 5 January 2025.
“Way-lay operations were executed at the targeted area, where police pounced on eight suspects who were allegedly actively engaged in illegal mining activities. Seven foreign nationals and one South African national aged between 18 and 55, were subsequently arrested for illegal mining, possession of suspected unpolished diamonds, trespassing and for being illegally in the country.
“The public is encouraged to report illegal mining and other related crimes to the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.
The Guardian 