.jpg "Operation Vala Umgodi heightened police visibility in Northern Cape")
The high-density Vala Umgodi operations, with a focus on hotspot areas linked to illegal mining related crimes in Kimberley and Kleinzee, continues to intensify their efforts in addressing illegal mining activities.
The operations continue with more boots on the ground by increasing police visibility in an attempt to stabilise, normalise and reclaim the province from illicit mining activities.
The collaborative, multi-disciplinary, intelligence driven approach, involving SAPS, Home Affairs SANDF, conducted compliance inspections, way-lay operations, foot and vehicle patrols at mines, dumping sites and intensified police visibility at shopping malls, complexes and taxi ranks from Monday, 04 March 2024 until 10 March 2024.
During the operations, vehicle check points were conducted to address all illegal mining and related crime activities from entering or exiting the province.
The police arrested suspects for crimes ranging from, illegal mining, possession of drugs, dealing in illicit cigarettes and undocumented persons
Several fines were issued for contravening the road traffic act and forestry, fisheries and environmental acts.
The multi-disciplinary team confiscated two LDV bakkies, bags of possible diamond bearing gravel, mining operational equipment related tools, expired goods, illicit cigarettes, dagga and drugs.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola welcomes and appreciates the cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies in effectively addressing illegal mining activities.
