The Northern Cape’s multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team conducted actions in the Namakwa District, starting on Friday, that led to the arrest of 29 undocumented individuals.
THE MULTI-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team, dedicated to combating illicit mining and related crimes, recently launched a series of actions in the Namakwa District.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam reported that the operations led to the arrest of 29 undocumented individuals in the Sizamile location, Port Nolloth, Bontekoei and Nataboi mining areas.
The team, comprising members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, and the Springbok SAPS Public Order Police unit, also confiscated numerous mining implements and diamond-bearing gravel.
The suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs before facing formal charges and court proceedings for deportation.
Sergeant Sam urged the public to report any illegal mining activities to SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, emphasising, “If you see something, say something.”
