The joint South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) illicit mining operation coined “Vala Umgodi” in the Northern Cape is relentless in combating illicit mining activities following the arrest of sixteen (16) suspects in Kleinsee on Friday, 26 January 2024.
The suspects were nabbed for contravening the Immigration Act and illicit mining acts.
Numerous illicit mining equipment, including generators, jack hammers, drills, bags with diamond bearing gravel, sieves, shovels, crushers and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated.
The suspects will appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate Court on Monday, 29 January 2024.
The police will continue to disrupt illegal mining activities in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
