Road Safety Blog

Namakwa illicit mining dealt a crushing blow

Media

In a quest to address the perpetual illicit mining activities in the Namakwa District, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Maj Gen Luntu Ngubelanga in conjunction with external role-players, executed a multi-disciplinary operation revolving around the apprehension of undocumented persons and the ensuing illicit mining at the Nuttabooi/Bontekoei settlement near Kleinsee.

The operation was led by Maj Gen Luntu Ngubelanga, accompanied by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brig Schalk Andrews, Provincial Heads and members from Provincial Components and District Units as well as officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

The operation was executed on 27 November 2023. During the disruptive actions at the settlement a total of 130 undocumented persons were arrested and detained.

Numerous tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illicit mining activities were confiscated.

SAPS Stations and units from the Namakwa District as well as Provincial Components and Department of Home Affairs Immigration officers participated in the execution of the disruptive actions. Immigration officials were on site to process the arrested undocumented persons.

A SAPS helicopter assisted the ground forces with air support by locating persons attempting to flee.

All arrested persons will appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrates Court soon.

The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Maj Gen Luntu Ngubelanga commended the task teams, including the Department of Home Affairs who assisted in the successful execution of the operation. He stated that these actions should be a deterrent and a message to illegal miners who display indifference towards the law that their criminality will not be tolerated.

Resources have been fortified in the area to continue with actions addressing the eradication of illicit mining.

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