The multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi, with a focus on illicit mining activities and other related crimes in the Kleinzee area under the overall command of Colonel Jacob Moloi, with the support of the South African National Defence Force on Sunday, 14 April 2024 arrested 15 suspects for illegal mining and trespassing and confiscated equipment believed to be used in the commission of illegal mining.
The intelligence-driven action was executed at the targeted area where the multi-disciplinary team arrested six South Africans, five Lesotho nationals and four Zimbabwean nationals for illegal mining and trespassing.
The Operation Vala Umgodi team confiscated a crusher machine, generators, bags of possible diamond bearing gravel, dagga, liquor, and mining implements found in the possession of the illegal miners.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the members for their commitment in the fight against illegal mining and other related crimes.
