The fight against the eradication of illegal mining compels the police through Operation Vala Umgodi to utilise all measures to fight the scourge.
The multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team detained 20 suspects during the weekly operations that commenced on Saturday, 13 July 2024.
The team in the Frances Baard District, while patrolling the Conville and the Greenpoint mining dumps, arrested and detained 6 persons for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The team also traced and arrested 1 wanted suspect for housebreaking and theft.
In the Namakwa District, Bontakoe informal settlement, Twee Pad and Koiingnas mining areas the team executed cordon and search operations and detained 13 persons for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The team confiscated numerous mining implements including a vehicle utilised in the commission of crime.
The suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to Court for deportation.
The police are pleading with the public to respect and conform to the prevailing mining laws and regulations, as it is illegal to be in possession of any unprocessed precious mineral including diamond bearing gravel without the required statutory authorization.
Policing of illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi ensures the arrest of 20 suspects in the Northern Cape https://t.co/zOJgnSLA8d#ArriveAlive #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ZSyyytHlQY
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 18, 2024
