By OBAKENG MAJE
With more boots on the ground, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to stamp the authority of the state in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts. This comes after four suspects aged between 21 and 45 were arrested for illegal mining in Kleinzee on 21 March 2024.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the police also confiscated a toy gun from the suspects. Shemane said they were arrested during a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Limpopo Border Police, Cape Town Tactical Response Team, Pretoria Public Order Police, Cape Town Public Order Police, Paarl Public Order Police, The South African National Defence Force and Department of Home Affairs.
“A suspect (38) was arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was confiscated. Other suspects were arrested for various crimes, including illegal mining, driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs and undocumented persons.
“On 17 March 2024, the police operationalised intelligence-driven information and arrested three suspects aged 27, 42 and 52 for possession of drugs as well as a suspect (35) for driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Shemane.
He further said fines for traffic violations valued at R4250 were issued in Galeshewe. Shemane added that the police confiscated mandrax, crystal meth, nyaope, dagga and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“On 18 March 2024, eight undocumented persons between the ages of 23 and 51, were arrested and fines valued at R3000 were issued for road traffic violations. Mining implements, believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining, were confiscated,” he said.
Shemane said operations will continue unabated.
The Guardian 