The multi-disciplinary operation focusing on the apprehension of undocumented persons and the ensuing illicit mining at the Nuttabooi/Bontekoei settlement near Kleinsee that commenced on Monday 27 November 2023, concluded today, 29 November 2023.
Day one of the operation was executed during the early hours of 27 November 2023 at the settlement during which a total of 130 undocumented persons were arrested and detained.
This included 1 Ethiopian male, 1 Swati male, 69 Zimbabwean males, 13 Zimbabwean females, 45 Lesotho males and 1 Lesotho female.
On 28 November 2023, the Provincial Head of Operational Response Services, Brigadier Monica Sebili led the team from SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs, who continued with disruptive actions in the settlement and netted an additional 71 undocumented persons.
A total of 27 Lesotho males, 28 Zimbabwean males, 1 Mozambican male, 12 Zimbabwean females, 1 Namibian female and 2 Lesotho females were apprehended.
Numerous tools and equipment, believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining activities, were confiscated. This comprised of sieves, shovels, iron digging rods, hammers and pickaxes.
All arrested persons will appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrates Court soon. Thereafter they will continue to be processed by the Department of Home Affairs who will administer their deportation.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Maj Gen Luntu Ngubelanga commended the task teams, including the Department of Home Affairs for their perseverance. He assured the Namakwa communities that these disruptive actions will continue unabated during the festive season and beyond.
