By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 March 2025- Ten suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, and other crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi. The police said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue undoubtedly to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts of the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this was evident when the multi-disciplinary teams that included the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services arrested the suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act, and other crimes during operations that commenced on 12 March 2025.
“The team’s actions and activities included visibility patrols, stop and searches and raids at specified addresses. The team in the Frances Baard District, pounced on a construction site in Kimberley and detained 6 undocumented immigrants and issued a fine of R2500 to the employer who employed undocumented persons.
“All the undocumented suspects were verified and processed for Court by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services. The team further arrested 2 more suspects aged 27 and 41 years, respectively for suspected stolen property,” said Sam.
He further said in the Namakwa District, the team received information about illegal dealing of drugs at two addresses in Port Nolloth, they operationalised the information and arrested the suspects aged 25 and 48, respectively for dealing in drugs. Sam added that numerous fines were issued for contravention of the Road Traffic Management Statutes, at various VCPs by the police.
“All arrested suspects are expected to appear soon in the Kimberley and Springbok Magistrate Courts respectively. The police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, will continue to stamp the authority of the state in clamping down on illegal mining and other related crimes.
“If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” he said.
The Guardian 