By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 March 2025- Eight suspects aged between 27 and 42, were arrested contravention of the Immigration Act, dealing in and possession of drugs, resisting arrest, assault on a police official, defeating the ends of justice and robbery with a weapon. The suspects were arrested during Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team, tasked to combat illicit mining activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed from 6 March 2025, in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, respectively. Sam said the police from the Kimberley and Kleinsee Venue Operations Centres (VOC), executed disruptive activities, including vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, as well as crime prevention patrols in and around the mining areas and communities.
“Shift B of the Kimberley VOC while patrolling,& received information of drug dealing at a house in Galeshewe, Ramatshela Street. They verified and operationalised the information and found Mandrax tablets, Crystal Meth and Khat, with a total value of approximately R3180, as well as R8 780 cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“The team further arrested 3 assailants who robbed a member of the public not far from were they searched the drug house. All suspects will appear in their respective Courts of Kimberley and Port Nolloth soon,” he said.
Sam further said numerous traffic violation fines were issued at several VCPs in Frances Baard and Namakwa. He added that, the combat teams will intensify its efforts by squeezing the space for illegal miners to operate.
“If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
The Guardian 