By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 October 2024- Two men aged 29 and 46, were arrested for illegal mining and were also found to be in possession of suspected diamond bearing gravel. The suspects were arrested by the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi teams in the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the operation will continue to unsettle and disrupt all criminal and unlawful activities in the province. Pilane said the teams of South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Immigration officials, conducted disruptive operations in Namakwa and Francis Baard Districts in an effort to root out illegal mining activities in the province.
“During these operations, the police in the Namakwa District, were mobilized by mine security personnel regarding illegal mining activities taking place in Nuttabooi.
“Upon execution, two men were caught red-handed. They were arrested for illegal mining and being in possession of suspected diamond bearing gravel” she said.
Pilane further said the combat and proactive teams in the Frances Baard District were busy with disruptive actions when they received a tip-off regarding illegal drug dealing in Beaconsfield and New Park areas respectively in Kimberley. She added that, the information was operationalised and two men aged between 35 and 53, were subsequently arrested after they were found in possession of drugs.
“Meanwhile, a man (41) was arrested for illegal mining during disruptive operations at the Beef Master area in Kimberley. He was found in possession of suspected diamond bearing gravel, which was confiscated.
“Also, three more people were arrested for Contravention of Immigration laws in Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts. Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to vigorously police illegal mining and related crimes in the province,” said Pilane.
The Guardian 